Vice President Kashim Shettima has renewed Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. He said global peace and development cannot thrive without Africa’s fair representation.
Speaking at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, Shettima stressed that the UN must reflect today’s realities. He noted that Africa, despite its vast resources, remains sidelined in global decision-making.
“The UN will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was,” he said.
Nigeria’s Case for Security Council Membership
Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s role as Africa’s most populous nation with over 236 million people. He pointed to the country’s record in peacekeeping, noting Nigerian troops have joined 51 of 60 UN operations since independence.
He argued that Nigeria’s presence on the Council would restore fairness and credibility. The call aligns with the UN80 Initiative and the July 2025 resolution on UN reforms.
Priorities for Global Peace and Development
Shettima listed urgent actions to strengthen peace worldwide:
- Provide debt relief and fair trade access for poorer nations.
- Ensure resource-rich countries benefit from their minerals.
- Close the digital divide, insisting “AI must stand for Africa Included.”
- Promote shared responsibility in global security.
Nigeria’s Ongoing Commitment
The Vice President also addressed security at home and in the region. He said Nigeria continues to fight insurgency and terrorism through the Multinational Joint Task Force.
However, he warned that peace cannot be achieved by military means alone.
“Military tactics may win battles in months and years, but in wars that span generations, it is values and ideas that bring lasting victory,” he noted.
Shettima’s call reinforced Nigeria’s long-standing demand for a permanent UN Security Council seat — a move seen as key to balancing global power.
