Teenager Hospitalised After Suspected Drink Spiking at UK Nightclub

Vice President Kashim Shettima says Africa should have at least two permanent seats with full rights and responsibilities, including veto power

Watch Video Here 

Nigeria has called for the allocation of at least two permanent seats to Africa on the United Nations Security Council, with all the rights and responsibilities attached to permanent membership.

Vice President Kashim Shettima made the demand while delivering Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. 

Shettima said the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects contemporary global realities, arguing that Africa should no longer remain without permanent representation while issues concerning the continent continue to feature prominently on the Council’s agenda.

“Nigeria demands, in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including the veto, for as long as it exists, and five non-permanent seats in total,” Shettima said. 

The demand is consistent with the African Union’s longstanding position on reform of the UN Security Council, which seeks greater and more equitable African representation in the body.

Nigeria also called for five non-permanent seats for Africa as part of the proposed reform of the Council.

Shettima said Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership was inconsistent with the continent’s role in global affairs and its contributions to international peace and security.

He pointed to Nigeria’s participation in peacekeeping and regional security efforts in countries including Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia as part of the country’s contributions to international peace and stability. 

The Vice President also called for greater international cooperation in addressing conflicts, terrorism, organised crime and other security challenges, while urging the international community to strengthen diplomacy, mediation and peace-building.

The United Nations Security Council currently has 15 members, comprising five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — and 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.

Africa currently has no permanent seat on the Council.

Nigeria’s latest demand therefore forms part of the broader push for reform of the United Nations system and greater representation for developing regions in global decision-making institutions.