Nigeria will renew its campaign for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
The Federal Government will also push for broader reforms of global institutions, stronger development outcomes for developing countries, and increased international investment in Nigeria.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Jimoh Ibrahim, briefed Shettima on the country’s priorities ahead of the high-level meetings. Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this in a statement.
According to Nkwocha, Shettima will present President Bola Tinubu’s position on global governance, including Nigeria’s demand for a permanent African seat on the Security Council.
Nigeria has long argued that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership does not reflect current geopolitical realities. The 15-member Security Council has five permanent members, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States, all with veto powers.
Shettima said Nigeria’s participation would be guided by its national interest and commitment to multilateralism while advancing calls for global institutions to become more representative and responsive to developing countries.
The Nigerian delegation is also expected to engage governments, international organizations, businesses, and development partners on investment opportunities in sectors including energy, solid minerals, infrastructure, agriculture, and technology.
Shettima will represent Tinubu at the General Debate, which runs from September 22 to 28. The UN says the 81st session is being held under the theme “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”
Nigeria’s national statement is scheduled for Thursday, September 24.
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