On September 24, 2026, Nigeria's Vice-President Kashim Shettima addressed the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, calling for a reconstitution of the UN Security Council to include two permanent seats for Africa. Shettima emphasized that Nigeria demands at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including veto power. This call has been ongoing for some time, but the current global developments make the timing opportune.
Shettima highlighted Nigeria's contributions to global peacekeeping, citing the country's efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and the Gambia. He also mentioned Nigeria's role in regional organizations such as ECOWAS, the African Union, and the Gulf of Guinea partnerships, which focus on governance, counter-terrorism, and maritime security. Nigeria's bid for a permanent seat is bolstered by its status as the most populous and economically influential country in Africa.
The UN Security Council's current structure was established in 1945, with five permanent members: China, France, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the USA. However, as global developments have accelerated, calls have been made for the expansion of the UNSC to reflect the growing influence of other countries. Nigeria's case for a permanent seat is supported by its diversity, with one in every four black persons in the world being Nigerian.
Other African countries, such as South Africa and Egypt, have been considered for a permanent seat, but their suitability is questionable. South Africa has a record of xenophobia against citizens of other African countries, while Egypt identifies more as an Arab country than African. Nigeria's diversity and contributions to global peacekeeping make it a strong candidate for a permanent seat.
The process of reforming the UNSC is complex and will require the approval of the current five permanent members. Nigeria will need to lobby and negotiate with these countries to ensure that the guidelines and content of the reforms favor its bid. The country's diplomatic efforts will be crucial in securing support for its candidacy.
The success of Nigeria's bid is not guaranteed, and the country will need to present a strong case to secure the support of the current permanent members. The principle of quid pro quo will be important, with Nigeria needing to offer concessions and benefits in exchange for support. A comprehensive working plan covering diplomatic, strategic, and intelligence aspects will be necessary to ensure success.
The race for a seat on the UNSC is likely to be a long and complex process, involving twists and turns. Nigeria must be prepared to invest time, resources, and effort into its campaign, working under strict conditions with clear timelines. With the right commitment and drive, Nigeria's bid for a permanent seat at the UNSC can be successful.
Key points
- Nigeria's bid for a permanent seat at the UN Security Council is supported by its contributions to global peacekeeping and its status as the most populous and economically influential country in Africa.
- The country's diversity, with one in every four black persons in the world being Nigerian, also strengthens its case for a permanent seat.
- The success of Nigeria's bid will depend on its ability to lobby and negotiate with the current permanent members of the UNSC.
