*VP Kashim Shettima.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed Nigeria’s demand for a fundamental reform of the United Nations Security Council, insisting that Africa must be granted permanent representation in the powerful UN organ.
Tinubu made the demand in Nigeria’s national statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday.
The President argued that the structure of global governance must reflect contemporary realities rather than the balance of power that existed when the UN was established in 1945. His position comes amid renewed international discussions on Security Council reform and Africa’s under-representation.
Tinubu specifically called for at least two permanent seats for Africa, with full rights and responsibilities, including veto power for as long as the veto remains part of the Council’s structure. He also demanded five non-permanent seats for the continent, in line with the African position expressed in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
“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,” Tinubu said.
He added: “Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership.”
The UN Security Council currently has 15 members—five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. No African country holds a permanent seat.
Tinubu demands end to global conflicts
The President also called for an immediate end to conflicts around the world and urged countries to return to the principles of dialogue, international law and collective responsibility enshrined in the UN Charter.
He warned against the growing resort to unilateral action and nationalism, saying conflicts in different parts of the world have consequences beyond their immediate geographical locations.
According to him, Nigeria remains committed to peaceful dispute resolution and multilateralism, while urging the international community to intensify diplomatic efforts to end conflicts, particularly the war in Sudan and other crisis zones.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu cited Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping and conflict resolution in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia as evidence of its willingness to assume greater responsibility for peace and stability in Africa.
He said Nigeria would continue to work through the Economic Community of West African States, African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships to promote mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security.
Nigeria seeks financial system reform
The President also called for reforms to the international financial architecture, including greater access to concessional financing and debt arrangements that take developing countries’ development needs into account.
He identified inadequate financing as one of the major obstacles to sustainable development, noting that debt-service obligations in many developing countries consume resources that could otherwise be invested in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Tinubu linked Nigeria’s domestic economic reforms to its wider international agenda, saying sustainable development requires disciplined macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, private-sector growth and strategic public investment.
Calls for climate finance and fair energy transition
On climate change, the President urged developed countries to provide greater support to developing nations through climate finance and technology transfer.
He rejected the notion that developing countries must choose between economic development and climate action, arguing that African countries need to industrialise, tackle poverty and expand energy access while pursuing lower-carbon development pathways.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and a fair energy transition, noting that Africa contributes less than four per cent of global emissions but faces significant climate-related challenges.
He said Nigeria’s Energy Transition Plan targets net-zero emissions by 2060 while seeking to expand access to affordable, reliable and sustainable energy.
Tinubu highlights technology and AI
The President also addressed emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, saying Nigeria would continue to invest in digital infrastructure, broadband expansion and technology entrepreneurship.
He maintained that AI should remain a tool directed by human purpose and used to advance development.
On security, Tinubu drew lessons from Nigeria’s experience confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, arguing that terrorism and cyber threats require stronger international cooperation.
He said military action alone could not provide lasting security without education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and respect for human rights.
‘Humanity is our oldest citizenship’
Concluding his address, Tinubu called for a more inclusive and effective United Nations capable of responding to contemporary global challenges.
He said a reformed UN was essential to achieving a peaceful, just and sustainable world, adding:
“Whatever our differences, we must remember that humanity is our oldest citizenship, and peace is the inheritance we owe every child.”
The demand for greater African representation comes as UN member states continue negotiations over Security Council reform. UN reform documents indicate broad support for more equitable African representation, although countries continue to differ over the number and nature of additional seats and the future of the veto.