Nigeria has demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council, with veto powers for as long as the privilege exists.
Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the demand while delivering President Bola Tinubu’s national statement at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
He also demanded five non-permanent seats for Africa, in line with the continent’s longstanding common position on reforming the Security Council.
Shettima said the Council’s present configuration no longer reflected contemporary geopolitical realities and weakened the legitimacy of global decision-making.
“The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945,” he said.
He said Africa could no longer remain outside permanent membership while issues concerning the continent continued to occupy substantial attention of the Council.
According to him, Nigeria’s position is consistent with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, adopted as the Common African Position.
Under the position, Africa seeks at least two permanent seats with all existing privileges, alongside five non-permanent seats on the Council.
