Nigeria Seeks UN Chief Who Will Put Africa’s Aspirations, Global South at the Centre — Shettima
Nigeria says its choice of candidate for the next United Nations Secretary-General will be driven by a desire for a fairer global system that gives Africa and the wider Global South a stronger voice in decisions that affect millions of people.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated this in New York shortly before his departure for Nigeria, during a meeting with Costa Rica’s candidate for the UN top job, Rebeca Grynspan.
Shettima said Nigeria would support a candidate committed to Africa’s aspirations, multilateralism and reforms of the global governance system.
For Nigeria, he said, the next UN Secretary-General must be able to advance a system that responds more effectively to the concerns of developing countries and gives greater attention to issues affecting vulnerable populations around the world.
Shettima also cited Nigeria’s longstanding ties with Latin America and the importance of gender inclusion among the factors that could shape the country’s position.
Grynspan, a former UN official, said her candidacy would prioritise peace and the interests of the Global South.
She pledged to support Africa’s long-standing demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council if elected — an issue that could reshape how the continent participates in decisions on global peace, security and international affairs.
The race for the UN’s top diplomatic position comes at a time when conflicts, economic pressures and humanitarian crises continue to affect millions of people, particularly in developing countries.
Meanwhile, Nigeria and the Netherlands have agreed to deepen cooperation on financial inclusion, with particular attention to women and vulnerable groups.
The agreement followed a meeting between Vice President Shettima and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands in New York.
The partnership is expected to strengthen efforts to expand access to financial services and opportunities for people who remain underserved by the formal financial system.
