Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has denounced Africa's continued exclusion from permanent membership of the United Nations (UN) Security Council, citing the unfairness and illegitimacy it brings to the global governance system. During a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Hajiya Amina Mohammed in New York, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's support for urgent UN reforms. He emphasized Nigeria's commitment to being a dependable partner in rebuilding trust among nations and addressing pressing global issues.
Shettima commended UN Secretary-General António Guterres for his consistent backing of a more representative Security Council. Guterres previously stated that a 21st-century Council without permanent African representation is "unjust and indefensible." Shettima echoed this sentiment, stressing that Africa cannot be expected to bear the burdens of the international order without having an equal say in directing it. He emphasized the need for international institutions to be more representative and responsive to contemporary geopolitical and demographic realities.
The Vice President praised Guterres for defending international law and human dignity amid rising global conflicts and geopolitical tensions. He noted that Guterres has remained a voice of reason, insisting that sovereignty carries duties and that the worth of human life cannot vary with nationality. Shettima also warned that diplomacy must not lose sight of the human consequences of war and instability, emphasizing the need for a more compassionate approach to global decision-making.
Shettima commended UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed for her contributions to multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development. He described her service as a source of pride to Nigeria and expressed gratitude for her efforts. The Vice President also acknowledged the support of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the UN and her office.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. Shettima's spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, released a statement detailing the Vice President's remarks. According to Nkwocha, Shettima reiterated Nigeria's commitment to supporting reforms that make international institutions more credible and representative.
Shettima emphasized that the credibility of the international system depends on its ability to respond fairly to human suffering and provide all regions with a meaningful voice in global decision-making. He noted that civilization endures only when the suffering of a stranger becomes a claim on our conscience. The Vice President's comments highlight the need for a more inclusive and compassionate approach to global governance.
Earlier, Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed expressed her gratitude to Nigeria and President Tinubu's administration for their support to the UN. She described it as a deep honour to receive the Vice President's commendation. The exchange between Shettima and Mohammed underscores the importance of international cooperation and the need for reforms to ensure that global institutions are more representative and effective.
Key points
- Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima criticizes Africa's exclusion from UN Security Council
- Shettima reaffirms Nigeria's support for urgent UN reforms
- The Vice President emphasizes the need for international institutions to be more representative and responsive
