Nigeria calls for African seats on UN Security Council

Nigeria called for a restructured United Nations Security Council that would give Africa at least two permanent seats and five nonpermanent seats, with the permanent members holding the same rights and responsibilities as others, including veto power for as long as it remains in force. Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the position on behalf of President Bola Tinubu during Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st UN General Assembly General Debate in New York. Tinubu’s statement argued that the Council’s composition reflects the distribution of power in 1945 rather than present-day realities. It said Africa should not remain outside permanent membership while issues affecting the continent appear on the Council’s agenda. The demand was presented in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which set out Africa’s common position on UN reform. The address did not establish that a formal reform proposal had been submitted or that the demand had gained support from other countries. It set out Nigeria’s position in the General Debate; the reported materials do not describe a subsequent decision by the United Nations on Council membership.