President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed Nigeria’s long-standing call for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), insisting that the global body can only regain its relevance when it reflects present realities rather than outdated structures.
Speaking through Vice President Kashim Shettima during the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) general debate in New York, Tinubu emphasized that Nigeria’s demographic strength, economic size, peacekeeping record, and regional influence justify its inclusion.
He outlined four key priorities for global reform:
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Nigeria’s permanent seat on the UNSC as part of wider institutional reform.
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Sovereign debt relief and greater access to trade and financing.
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Fair benefits for mineral-hosting nations, including investment in local processing and jobs.
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Closing the digital divide, through global cooperation on technology access.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s case for UNSC membership is “a demand for fairness, representation, and reform,” citing the country’s population of over 236 million and consistent contributions to 51 UN peacekeeping operations since independence.
He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to economic restructuring under his administration, noting that reforms such as subsidy removal are difficult but necessary to unlock long-term prosperity.
On climate change, Tinubu described it as a security issue with direct implications for peace and development, calling for more investment in education, housing, and technology for vulnerable communities.
The President further urged the UN to create a binding mechanism for debt management — likened to an “International Court of Justice for money” — to help emerging economies break free from structural constraints.
On global conflicts, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine crisis, insisting that the sanctity of human life must not be compromised by politics.
He concluded by backing the UN80 Reform Initiative, stressing that meaningful changes are needed for the UN to maintain credibility and deliver on its mission of peace, development, and human rights.
