Nigeria to renew UN Security Council seat push, seek reforms at UNGA81

International, Politics

NEW YORK, United States (Agency Report) — Nigeria will renew its campaign for permanent African representation on the United Nations Security Council as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s engagements at the 81st Session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA81).

The country will also push for broader UN reforms, stronger development outcomes for developing countries and increased international investment in Nigeria.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, disclosed this while briefing Shettima on Nigeria’s priorities in New York.

Advertisement

The briefing reviewed the country’s agenda, expectations and strategic engagements during the high-level session.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice-President, disclosed this after the meeting.

Nkwocha said Nigeria would build on positions advanced during previous UN engagements, particularly its advocacy for reforms aimed at making multilateralism more responsive to the needs of developing countries.

He said Shettima would present President Bola Tinubu’s positions across several high-level forums during the gathering.

“The Vice-President will, at all the forums, present President Tinubu’s message across different sectors, including Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” Nkwocha said.

Nigeria has consistently advocated permanent African representation on the Security Council, arguing that the continent’s absence from permanent membership represents an imbalance in global governance.

The 15-member Security Council currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — which possess veto powers.

Africa, despite having 54 UN member states and being significantly represented in issues considered by the council, does not have a permanent seat.

Nigeria has maintained that reform of the council should reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and provide Africa with greater participation in decisions affecting international peace and security.

Nkwocha said Nigeria would also engage strategically with governments, international organisations, businesses and development partners throughout the UNGA high-level week.

Ibrahim said Nigeria’s participation would focus on reforms capable of increasing the practical impact of the UN on member states.

According to him, reforms should ensure that multilateral institutions translate policies and resources into measurable improvements for countries and their citizens.

Nigeria’s delegation is also expected to use the engagements to promote investment opportunities in sectors including solid minerals, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology.

Shettima is representing President Tinubu at the 81st General Assembly and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.

Nigeria is scheduled to speak fourth during Thursday afternoon’s session.

His address is expected to outline Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, sustainable development, global financial reform, climate action and multilateral cooperation.

(NAN)