Nigeria has renewed its call for Africa to be granted at least two permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, with full membership rights including veto powers.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the demand while delivering President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Shettima also called for five non-permanent seats for African countries, in line with the continent’s longstanding position on reforming the Security Council under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
According to the Nigerian delegation, the current structure of the Security Council does not adequately reflect today’s geopolitical realities.
“The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945,” Shettima said while presenting Tinubu’s position.
He argued that Africa continues to feature prominently in issues considered by the Security Council but remains excluded from its permanent membership.
Nigeria’s position is consistent with the African Union’s common position, which seeks at least two permanent African seats with the same privileges as existing permanent members, including veto power for as long as the veto remains part of the Council’s structure.
The 15-member Security Council currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — all of which possess veto powers. Africa currently has no permanent representative on the Council.
Shettima also highlighted Nigeria’s contributions to international peace and security, citing the country’s involvement in peace operations and diplomatic efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
He said Nigeria would continue to work through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and other regional partnerships on issues including mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security.
The Nigerian government’s renewed demand comes amid wider calls for reform of the Security Council. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also called for greater African representation, describing the continent’s lack of a permanent seat as unjust and calling for the Council to reflect the realities of the present world.
