UNGA80: Nigeria Intensifies Push for Permanent UN Security Council Seat.
Nigeria is set to intensify its long-standing campaign for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The country’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, made the announcement, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to reforming the global body and ensuring Africa has a stronger voice in international affairs.
A Unified African Front
Vice President Kashim Shettima is representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the UNGA in New York, where he is scheduled to deliver Nigeria’s national statement. A key objective for the Nigerian delegation, as stated by Minister Tuggar, is to champion the UN Global Convention on Taxation and, crucially, to advance Nigeria’s bid for a permanent UNSC seat.
This push is deeply rooted in the “Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration,” which represent the unified stance of the African Union (AU) on the matter. These documents, adopted in 2005, call for a more equitable and representative Security Council. The African position demands a minimum of two permanent seats for the continent, with veto power, and five non-permanent seats.
According to Tuggar, Africa is the only continent with such a unified position on UN Security Council reform.
Why the Push for Reform?
The current structure of the UNSC, with its five permanent members (U.S., Russia, China, France, and the U.K.) all holding veto power, is seen by many developing nations as a relic of the post-World War II era. This structure, critics argue, does not accurately reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
The call for reform is a long-standing one, with nations from the Global South, particularly from Africa, arguing that their interests and concerns are not adequately represented.
The United States has shown some support for this reform, with a proposal last year to create two permanent seats for African nations. This, however, is a complex issue with many moving parts and will require a comprehensive overhaul of the UN Charter, a process that has historically been difficult to achieve.
Broader Goals for Nigeria at UNGA80
Beyond the UN Security Council bid, the Nigerian delegation has other key objectives. The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olajumoke Omoniyi Oduwole, noted that Nigeria will use the platform to promote sustainable development and highlight priority sectors for investment, including solid minerals, telecommunications, and technology.
Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Uba Sani, also expressed optimism that Nigeria’s participation will further reposition the country as a prime investment destination in Africa. The UNGA serves as a critical platform for Nigeria to not only address global political issues but also to project its economic potential and attract foreign investment.
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