Nigeria is stepping up its campaign for reforms of the global governance system and a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council as Vice President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
Shettima received a briefing on Monday from Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, on the country’s priorities ahead of the high-level session.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Media and Communications, Nigeria will build on its position at the previous General Assembly, where it called for comprehensive reforms to make international institutions more responsive to the needs of developing countries.
A key part of Nigeria’s diplomatic agenda will be its renewed campaign for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, an issue the government has repeatedly linked to broader reforms of global institutions.
“Nigeria will build on its position at the last meeting of global leaders,” Nkwocha said, adding that Shettima would present President Tinubu’s message across several areas, including the country’s push for permanent representation on the Security Council.
Nigeria has argued that the current structure of the Security Council does not adequately reflect present-day global realities, particularly Africa’s population, economic importance and contribution to international peace and security.
The council currently has 15 members — five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. The permanent members are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, while Africa has no permanent representation.
Nigeria’s position also aligns with the broader African demand for greater representation in the council, including permanent seats for the continent.
Beyond Security Council reform, Nigeria is expected to use the 81st UNGA to push issues including reforms of international financial institutions, sustainable development financing, climate finance, technology access and stronger African participation in global decision-making.
Nigeria’s UN Permanent Representative, Jimoh Ibrahim, said the country’s participation would be anchored on deepening reforms within the UN to ensure that the organisation has a greater impact on member states.
Several Nigerian governors attending the General Assembly are also expected to use the international platform to seek investment opportunities and partnerships for their states, particularly in areas such as solid minerals, oil and gas and other sectors.
With the high-level meeting bringing together world leaders and senior officials, Nigeria is expected to intensify its diplomatic engagements as it seeks a greater role for itself and Africa in shaping decisions at the centre of global affairs.
