Nigeria has renewed call for Africa’s permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, saying meaningful reforms of the global body must reflect equity, legitimacy and inclusiveness.
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jimoh Ibrahim, made the call during an informal plenary meeting convened to hear a briefing on the United Nations 80 Initiative ahead of the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly.
Speaking at the meeting, Senator Ibrahim reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the UN Charter, particularly its preamble and the provisions of Articles 24 and 27, which outline the responsibilities and decision-making processes of the Security Council.
He said there was an urgent need for all member states to respect and fully implement those provisions to guarantee sustainable sovereignty, fairness and mutual respect among nations.
The Nigerian envoy stressed that reforms of the United Nations must enjoy legitimacy and broad support from member states if they are to achieve their objectives.
According to him, that goal cannot be fully realised without addressing Africa’s long-standing demand for permanent representation on the Security Council.
Africa currently has no permanent seat on the 15-member Security Council, despite representing more than a quarter of the UN’s membership. The continent has for years pushed for reforms that would give it permanent representation and a stronger voice in global peace and security decisions.
Nigeria has consistently supported those efforts, arguing that a more representative Security Council would strengthen the credibility and effectiveness of the United Nations.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
