Nigeria Demands Two Permanent UN Seats With Veto Power — Shettima
By Victor Idajili
Vice President Kashim Shettima has demanded a radical shake-up of the United Nations Security Council, saying Africa must no longer be confined to the margins of global decision-making.
Shettima made the call yesterday while delivering Nigeria's National Statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Addressing world leaders under the theme "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All," the Vice President warned that the current global order is outdated.
"The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945," he said.
He specifically demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa with full rights, responsibilities and veto power, along with a total of five non-permanent seats.
Shettima congratulated the President of the 81st General Assembly on his election and commended his predecessor and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for steering the UN through storms that have sharpened awareness of the cost of inaction.
He said no nation can pretend that conflicts elsewhere do not exact a price, stressing the urgency of restoring trust in international institutions established to reconcile differences and advance common interests.
Reaffirming Nigeria's foreign policy thrust, Shettima said Nigeria's engagement at UNGA 81 was guided by national interest, commitment to multilateralism and President Tinubu's advocacy for reforms of global institutions to reflect contemporary realities.
"Our message in New York is clear. Nigeria believes in multilateralism, but the institutions that govern our world must become more representative, equitable, and responsive to the realities of today," he said.
"We will engage our partners firmly from the standpoint of Nigeria's national interest while advancing President Tinubu's call for a global system that gives developing countries a stronger voice and a fairer opportunity to prosper."
The Vice President led Nigeria's delegation to the high-level week, which runs from September 22 to 26 and 28, focusing on international cooperation, sustainable development, global governance and Security Council reform.
