Shettima: Nigeria Supports Urgent Reform of United Nations
Nigeria has renewed its call for urgent reforms of the United Nations, with Vice President Kashim Shettima arguing that Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the UN Security Council undermines the fairness and legitimacy of the global governance system.
Shettima stated this after meeting with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed in New York on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
The Vice President said the meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on development and reforms within the global body.
“During our interaction, I noted that Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council undermines the fairness and legitimacy of the global governance system,” Shettima said.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for urgent reform of the United Nations, stressing that the country would remain a dependable partner in efforts to rebuild trust among nations, defend international law and address global challenges including hunger, violence and exclusion.
Nigeria’s position is consistent with its longstanding call for permanent African representation on the Security Council. Shettima had also used Nigeria’s national statement at the previous UN General Assembly to call for a permanent seat for Nigeria as part of broader UN institutional reforms.
The African Union’s current reform position calls for Africa to receive at least two permanent seats on an expanded Security Council, alongside five non-permanent seats, reflecting the continent’s Common African Position on reform.
The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, has similarly called for reforms that would give Africa permanent representation on the Security Council, describing the continent’s absence from the permanent membership as a longstanding issue of global governance.
Shettima’s meeting with Mohammed came as discussions on reform of global institutions featured prominently during the 81st UN General Assembly in New York.
