Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has called for a major overhaul of the United Nations Security Council, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa with veto powers.
Tinubu made the demand on Thursday while addressing the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The address was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima who called for Africa to have five non-permanent seats on the Security Council, arguing that the current structure of the global body does not reflect the realities of the modern world.
According to Tinubu, meaningful reform of the United Nations must begin with changes to the composition of the Security Council, particularly to give Africa permanent representation in the body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.
He said Africa could no longer continue to participate in the Council’s activities and bear the consequences of its decisions without having a permanent voice in its highest decision-making structure.
“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 said Nigeria’s demand was consistent with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, both of which have shaped Africa’s position on reform of the Security Council.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu also said Nigeria was ready to assume greater responsibilities in promoting international peace and security.
He cited the country’s long-standing role in peacekeeping and conflict-resolution efforts across the continent, including interventions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
The President said Nigeria was also contributing to efforts to promote mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security through regional and continental platforms, including the Economic Community of West African States, the African Union and partnerships in the Gulf of Guinea.
He mentioned that Africa’s growing role in global affairs should be matched by greater representation in institutions where decisions affecting the continent and the wider international community are made.
Tinubu’s call adds Nigeria’s voice to the broader African campaign for permanent representation on the UN Security Council, amid continuing discussions over how the 15-member body should be restructured.
