Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demanded two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing that the continent can no longer remain on the margins of global decision-making. Tinubu made this demand during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States. He stressed that the world in 2026 cannot remain tied to the distribution of power established in 1945.
Tinubu called for at least two permanent seats for Africa, with full rights and responsibilities, including veto power. He also demanded five non-permanent seats for the continent. According to him, reform of the UN must begin with the restructuring of the Security Council to give Africa permanent representation. This demand aligns with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
President Tinubu also demanded an immediate end to global warfare and a total rejection of the rising tide of nationalism, warning that the global order hangs in the balance. He called on the international community to dismantle unilateral aggression, resurrect the foundational principles of the United Nations Charter, and forge an unyielding, unified front through a recommitted era of global multilateralism.
The Nigerian leader emphasized that the persistence of conflict across the world recalls the purpose for which the United Nations was founded: to spare succeeding generations the devastation of war. He urged a return to the founding principles of dialogue, mutual respect, and collective responsibility. Tinubu noted that Nigeria stands by the Charter and its promise of a world in which diplomacy prevails over coercion, cooperation over isolation, and international law over the arbitrary exercise of power.
President Tinubu framed Nigeria's peacekeeping efforts in Africa as a model, noting that the nation stands ready to take on greater responsibility and sacrifice to restore peace across the continent. He cited Nigeria's commitments in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and The Gambia, where it deployed personnel and resources in response to global solidarity.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria's efforts in advancing mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism, and maritime security through ECOWAS, the African Union, and Gulf of Guinea partnerships. He emphasized that Nigeria's foreign policy is guided by the same conviction that drives its economic reforms. The President noted that Nigeria is acting on its sustainable development commitments through disciplined macroeconomic management, robust institutions, private-sector growth, and strategic public investment.
President Tinubu concluded by emphasizing the need for global action on climate change, rejecting the false choice between development and climate action. He reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to the Paris Agreement and a fair energy transition, stressing that Africa bears a heavy climate burden despite contributing under 4% of global emissions.
Key points
- Nigeria demands two permanent seats for Africa on the UN Security Council.
- President Tinubu calls for reform of the UN Security Council to give Africa permanent representation.
- Nigeria emphasizes the need for global action on climate change and sustainable development.
