Shettima Delivers Tinubu’s Push for African Seats at UN Security Council

Shettima delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address at the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, where Nigeria pressed for a restructuring of the Council to reflect the realities of the present world.

The Nigerian position is for at least two permanent seats for Africa, carrying the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent members, including veto power for as long as the veto remains in existence. Nigeria is also seeking five non-permanent seats for the continent.

Tinubu, in the address, referenced the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration as the basis for the demand, arguing that Africa should no longer remain without permanent representation despite the prominence of African issues on the Council’s agenda.

He said the current global power arrangement was designed in 1945 and should not continue to define representation in 2026.

The President’s argument formed part of a broader appeal for a more responsive multilateral system, with Nigeria also urging world leaders to confront ongoing conflicts and resist the growing influence of nationalism.

According to Tinubu, the continuing wars across the world have reinforced the original purpose of the United Nations: preventing future generations from experiencing the devastation of war.

He called for greater reliance on dialogue, mutual res

pect and collective responsibility, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy and the principles of the UN Charter.

The address also highlighted Nigeria’s history of involvement in peacekeeping and conflict-resolution efforts across Africa, including in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.

Nigeria’s latest push comes amid long running efforts by African countries to secure permanent representation on the Security Council, whose existing permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States.