Nigeria has renewed its demand for greater African representation on the UN Security Council, calling for at least two permanent seats for the continent with veto rights.
Vice President Kashim Shettima made the appeal Thursday while delivering President Bola Tinubu’s national statement during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Shettima argued that the current composition of the Security Council does not reflect today’s global political realities. He said Africa should receive permanent representation in the body responsible for international peace and security.
He referred to the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, saying Nigeria supports at least two permanent African seats with the same rights and responsibilities as existing permanent members, including veto powers for as long as the veto remains in place. He also backed five additional non-permanent seats for African countries.
The African Union has adopted the same position, seeking two permanent seats with full privileges and five non-permanent positions. The bloc again endorsed the demand in May, describing Africa’s absence from permanent membership as a longstanding imbalance.
The 15-member Security Council currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the UK and the US — while the remaining 10 members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.
Nigeria has repeatedly sought a permanent African position, pointing to its population, economy, diplomatic influence and involvement in international peacekeeping operations.
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to peace and security efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia, as well as its involvement in counterterrorism, democratic governance and maritime security initiatives.
Nigeria’s latest appeal comes as international efforts to reform the Security Council continue. Any major change would require extensive support from UN members and amendments to the UN Charter, making the process diplomatically challenging.
Nigeria has said it will continue working with African states and international partners to advance the continent’s shared position on Security Council reform.
NEWS DESK
PRESS UPDATE