Nigeria has reiterated its demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, stressing that the world body’s credibility hinges on its ability to reflect current global realities.
President Bola Tinubu emphasized the need for institutional reform, citing Nigeria’s transformation from a 20-million-person colony in 1945 to a sovereign nation of over 236 million people today.
This growth, Tinubu argued, underscores the urgency for the UN to adapt and give Africa a stronger voice in international decision-making.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, delivering Tinubu’s address at the 80th UN General Assembly, highlighted Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to peace, noting the country’s participation in 51 of the 60 UN peacekeeping operations since its independence in 1960.
With over 200,000 Nigerian troops deployed in UN operations, Shettima asserted that Nigeria’s case for a permanent seat is a demand for fairness, representation, and reform that restores credibility to the UN.
The Nigerian leader also emphasized the need for urgent action on key global issues, including sovereign debt relief, fair access to trade and finance, and leveraging Africa’s strategic resources to drive sustainable development.
Furthermore, Tinubu called for global action to bridge the digital divide, warning that a generation growing up in a world of misinformation and distrust could become increasingly cynical unless access to innovation and digital opportunities is expanded.
Nigeria’s push for a permanent Security Council seat comes amid growing calls for institutional reform within the UN to reflect demographic shifts, emerging economies, and Africa’s growing influence in global affairs.
