Nigeria calls for permanent UN Security Council seats for Africa

Nigeria has asked for at least two permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council, along with veto powers as long as that privilege exists.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made this request while presenting President Bola Tinubu’s national statement at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.

He also asked for five non-permanent seats for Africa. This request aligns with Africa’s long-standing position on reforming the Security Council.

Mr Shettima said the current setup of the Council does not reflect today’s global realities and damages the legitimacy of global decision-making.

“The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945,” he stated.

He mentioned that Africa cannot stay outside permanent membership while the Council often discusses issues affecting the continent.

According to him, Nigeria’s stance aligns with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which are the agreed African positions.

This position calls for at least two permanent seats with all existing privileges, plus five non-permanent seats on the Council.

The African Union backed this demand in May, stating that Africa’s lack of permanent representation is a historical imbalance that needs to be fixed.

Mr Shettima argued that institutions claiming to act for humanity must truly represent the people for whom decisions are made.

He linked the need for Security Council reform to the effort to restore trust in multilateralism, especially as global divisions grow.

The vice president also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the UN Charter and to working with others internationally.

He said Nigeria supports a global system where diplomacy is more important than force, and international law guides how countries relate.

Mr Shettima recalled Nigeria’s role in international peace operations in places like Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and The Gambia.

He stated that Nigeria continues to engage through ECOWAS, the African Union, and Gulf of Guinea frameworks.

He noted that these efforts include mediation, counter-terrorism, democratic governance, and maritime security.

Mr Shettima said ongoing conflicts in various regions highlight the need for dialogue, shared responsibility, and peaceful solutions to disputes.

He pointed out the conflict in Sudan and other areas as needing urgent diplomatic attention due to their humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical impacts.

The vice president warned against a world where false narratives mix up victims and aggressors, making accountability harder.

He insisted that an inclusive and effective UN is essential for global peace and sustainable development.

Nigeria’s demand comes as African leaders push for reforms in an institution whose permanent membership has not changed since it was formed.

The Security Council has five permanent members: China, France, Russia, the UK, and the US, all holding veto power.

Currently, Africa has no permanent representative on the Council.

The African Union’s preferred reform model seeks at least two permanent African seats, with veto rights, while existing members keep theirs.

The model also aims for five non-permanent seats for Africa.

Mr Shettima said Nigeria is committed to a multilateral system that can respond better to the realities of the 21st century.

He emphasized that disagreements among nations should not hide their shared humanity or the duty to maintain peace for future generations.