FG renews push for UN Security Council seat

The Federal Government has renewed its demand for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council, insisting that Nigeria’s size, population, and peacekeeping record make the case too strong to ignore.

Speaking at the 80th UN General Assembly in New York, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice-President Kashim Shettima said the UN must reflect today’s realities, not the world of 1945 when Nigeria was still a colony.

“With over 236 million people, one of the youngest populations on earth, and active participation in 51 UN peacekeeping operations, our case for a permanent seat is a demand for fairness and reform,” Tinubu declared.

He also called for urgent reforms on sovereign debt, access to trade and financing, and fair benefit for mineral-rich nations through investment, local processing, and job creation. Tinubu further urged global action to close the digital divide.

The President reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a stabilising force in Africa, condemning terrorism, and speaking strongly against Israel’s assault in Gaza while backing a two-state solution. “The people of Palestine are not collateral damage in a civilisation searching for order. They are human beings, equal in worth,” he stressed.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also used the UN stage to warn against the “weaponisation of trade,” saying volatile trade policies were crippling the global economy. “Trade is now being used as a weapon against many countries,” he said, urging fairer rules for developing nations and better access to financing.

Kenya’s President William Ruto joined the reform call, blasting the IMF and World Bank for “punishing Africa” with high interest rates and meagre loans while richer nations get better deals. He also demanded a ceasefire in Gaza and pressed for international law to be respected.