Nigeria has renewed its long-standing demand for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council, arguing that global governance structures must evolve to reflect modern geopolitical realities.
Addressing the 81st UN General Assembly on Thursday, Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered President Bola Tinubu’s address, emphasizing that the international body can no longer rely on frameworks established decades ago.
“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,” Shettima told delegates, quoting the President.
Beyond institutional reforms, the Nigerian leader stressed that sustainable development remains impossible while violence disrupts livelihoods. He also urged African nations to transition from exporting raw materials to focusing on manufacturing, technological innovation, and value addition.
On security, Tinubu called for deeper international cooperation to combat terrorism, organized crime, cyberattacks, and illicit financial flows. Drawing from Nigeria’s domestic experience with groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, he noted that military triumphs must be backed by investments in education, economic opportunity, and accountable governance.
Addressing regional stability, the President warned that the ongoing crisis in the Sahel threatens neighboring states and undermines democratic governance. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral frameworks through ECOWAS and the African Union, while urging renewed diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in Sudan and protect civilians.
Alongside its high-level diplomatic engagements, the Nigerian delegation leveraged the UN summit to secure strategic international partnerships.
Nigeria strengthened collaboration with Italy to support the Global Partnership for Education, which aims to mobilize $5 billion worldwide. Additionally, the Federal Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States to boost development in Nigeria’s solid minerals sector.
The agreement, signed by Minister of Solid Minerals Development Dele Alake and U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau, establishes a framework for cooperation in geological data sharing, mineral processing, and technical capacity building.