Tinubu Calls for Change at UN: Africa Needs Permanent Seats

President Bola Tinubu has called for major changes at the United Nations (UN). He says that reforms should start with giving Africa permanent seats on the Security Council.

He pointed out that Africa can no longer be sidelined when it comes to the Council's decisions. He stressed that the world in 2026 cannot be stuck with the same power distribution as in 1945.

The Nigerian president made these remarks through his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the General Debate at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA.

Tinubu specifically asked for at least two permanent seats for Africa. He wants these seats to come with full rights, responsibilities, and veto power. He also requested a total of five non-permanent seats.

"The reform of this institution must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council, for the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945. Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership."

He added, "Nigeria demands, in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including the veto for as long as it exists, and five non-permanent seats in total. The authority to speak for humanity carries an obligation to represent it."

Tinubu also urged world leaders to put an end to global wars. He rejected the rise of nationalism and called for unity among nations.

He warned that the global order is at risk. He encouraged the international community to fight against one-sided aggression. He called for a return to the principles of the UN Charter and urged nations to work together through renewed global cooperation.

The Nigerian leader made it clear that conflicts in one region affect other nations. He emphasized the UN's important role in rebuilding trust in institutions meant to solve disputes and promote global interests.

"The persistence of conflict across the world recalls the purpose for which the United Nations was founded: to spare succeeding generations the devastation of war. We must therefore return to the founding principles of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility."

He said, "Nigeria stands by the Charter and its promise of a world in which diplomacy prevails over coercion, cooperation over isolation and international law over the arbitrary exercise of power."

Tinubu highlighted Nigeria's peacekeeping efforts in Africa. He stated that Nigeria is ready to take on more responsibility to restore peace on the continent. He mentioned Nigeria's past contributions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and The Gambia.

"Through ECOWAS, the African Union and our Gulf of Guinea partnerships, we continue to advance mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security," he explained. He said Nigeria's foreign policy is guided by the same values as its economic policies.

The president remarked that Nigeria is working on its sustainable development goals. He spoke about disciplined economic management, strong institutions, growth in the private sector, and smart investment by the government.

He linked Nigeria's progress to Africa's development and the global need for peace, fairness, and prosperity. He noted that Nigeria's successes mean little if it ignores external threats. He stated that geography cannot protect any nation from a troubled world.

Trust in the government, according to him, is built when decisions improve lives. He warned that since no nation is safe from global conflicts, leaders must tackle security and climate issues head-on.

Tinubu called for global action on climate change. He dismissed the idea that countries must choose between development and climate action. He stressed that developing countries should industrialize, fight poverty, and improve energy access using clean methods with support from technology and finance.

He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and a fair transition to renewable energy. He pointed out that Africa suffers greatly from climate issues while contributing less than 4% to global emissions.

Under the Energy Transition Plan, he mentioned Nigeria's goal for net-zero emissions by 2060. He also said Nigeria is working to provide affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy.

Tinubu stated that Nigeria will not let fear shape its future in technology. He noted that AI is a tool guided by human purpose. To make the most of it, Nigeria is expanding its digital infrastructure and promoting tech entrepreneurship.

He repeated Nigeria's call for reform in the international financial system. He wants better access to low-interest loans and debt structures that meet development needs. He said, "One of the greatest obstacles to sustainable development is inadequate financing."

He pointed out that many developing countries spend much of their money on paying debts instead of on education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

Drawing from Nigeria's fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, he said, "No nation, however formidable its defenses, can secure itself completely against dangers sustained beyond its borders."

He warned that modern threats like terrorism and cyberattacks take advantage of weak global responses. He believes that lasting military success needs strong education, economic chances, good governance, and respect for human rights.

As a founding member of ECOWAS, Tinubu said Nigeria will continue to support regional cooperation and African leadership in tackling security issues. He emphasized that Nigeria is committed to settling disputes peacefully under the UN Charter.

He noted that, "The conflicts in Sudan and other war-torn countries demand urgent diplomacy to address their humanitarian, economic, and geopolitical consequences."

He urged, "We should all be afraid of a world in which we can no longer tell the victim from the aggressor. When our investment in propaganda shields perpetrators from justice to the point that telling the truth becomes a crime, the promise of this institution stands betrayed."

On the expectations from the UN general debate, Tinubu said, "A reformed, inclusive and effective United Nations is indispensable to the peaceful, just and sustainable world that future generations deserve."

He concluded, "Whatever our differences, we must remember that humanity is our oldest citizenship, and peace is the inheritance we owe every child."