Shettima stated this during a meeting with Costa Rica’s candidate for the UN Secretary-General position, Rebeca Grynspan, who sought Nigeria’s support for her candidature.
The Vice President said Nigeria would support a candidate who recognises Africa’s demand for a greater role in global decision-making, particularly through reforms that would expand the continent’s representation in key international institutions.
He also identified conflict prevention, multilateralism, Nigeria’s longstanding relations with Latin America and gender inclusion as considerations in the country’s position on the UN leadership race.
Shettima argued that the existing global governance structure, established in 1945, no longer adequately reflects contemporary demographic and political realities, particularly Africa’s growing population and role in international affairs.
He said Africa, with more than 1.3 billion people, deserves greater representation in institutions responsible for major global decisions.
The Vice President’s position is consistent with Nigeria’s broader call for reform of the United Nations Security Council and greater African representation in global governance. Nigeria has repeatedly advocated for a permanent African presence on the Council as part of wider UN reforms.
Grynspan, a former Vice-President of Costa Rica, told Shettima that her candidature was driven by a desire to reform the United Nations and make the organisation more responsive to the concerns of developing countries and the Global South.
She said her background had given her an understanding of Africa’s challenges and aspirations, adding that she would prioritise peace and support reforms to the global system.
Grynspan also pledged to give urgent attention to Africa’s ambition for permanent representation on the UN Security Council if elected Secretary-General.
The meeting comes as the selection process for the next UN Secretary-General gathers momentum, with countries and candidates engaging member states ahead of the eventual appointment.
For Nigeria, Shettima’s remarks indicate that Africa’s representation and broader reform of the international system will remain important considerations as the country evaluates candidates for the UN’s top diplomatic position.
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