Vice President Kashim Shettima has renewed Nigeria’s call for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, saying global institutions must reflect today’s realities, not outdated power structures.
Speaking at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s transformation from a 20-million-strong colony at the UN’s founding to a sovereign nation of over 236 million people. He argued that Africa’s most populous country, with a strong peacekeeping record and regional influence, deserves a permanent voice in global decision-making.
He also backed reforms under the UN80 Initiative and emphasized the need for debt relief, fair trade, and access to technology. “AI must mean ‘Africa Included’,” he said, urging global efforts to close the digital divide.
Shettima noted that no nation can thrive in isolation, stressing shared responsibility and the need to tackle arms, illicit finance, and violent extremism. He said while military action fights insurgency, long-term peace depends on ideas and values.
Nigeria has contributed to 51 of the UN’s 60 peacekeeping missions since 1960 and remains committed to African security efforts through regional coalitions like the Multinational Joint Task Force.
