Vice President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after attending the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York. He spent eight days at the assembly, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. During his time at the assembly, Shettima delivered Nigeria's national statement, emphasizing the need for reforms to the UN Security Council to reflect current geopolitical realities. He called for permanent African representation on the Council.
The 81st UNGA provided a platform for Nigeria to reiterate its demand for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council. Nigeria argues that the continent remains underrepresented in the UN's most powerful decision-making organ despite its demographic, economic, and strategic importance. Shettima used the global platform to push Nigeria's longstanding position on the matter. The country's advocacy for an expanded Security Council has been ongoing.
During his engagements in New York, Shettima advanced Nigeria's interests in various areas, including development financing, education, climate action, regional integration, economic cooperation, and peace and security. These discussions were part of Nigeria's efforts to promote its interests and strengthen its relationships with other countries. The Vice President's engagements also focused on strengthening financial inclusion and economic opportunities for Nigerians.
Shettima met with Costa Rican candidate for the UN Secretary-General position, Rebeca Grynspan, and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands. During these meetings, he stated that Nigeria would be guided by equity, justice, fairness, and Africa's aspirations in determining its position on the next UN Secretary-General. Nigeria's assessment of candidates would take into account the country's longstanding relationship with Latin America, gender inclusion, and the need for greater representation of Africa in international institutions.
Shettima emphasized that the global governance architecture had changed considerably since 1945 but had yet to adequately reflect Africa's demographic and strategic importance. He stressed that the continent, with a population of more than 1.3 billion people, deserved greater representation in key global decision-making institutions, particularly the UN Security Council. Grynspan, who is seeking Nigeria's support for her candidature, said she was prepared to pursue reforms demanded by countries, particularly those of the Global South.
Nigeria's push for reforms to the UN Security Council is part of its broader efforts to promote a more representative, equitable, and responsive global governance system. The country's advocacy for African representation on the Council has been ongoing, with Shettima's attendance at the 81st UNGA providing a platform to reiterate Nigeria's position. The Vice President's engagements in New York demonstrated Nigeria's commitment to promoting its interests and strengthening its relationships with other countries.
The renewed push for African representation on the UN Security Council comes as Nigeria prepares to support a candidate for the UN Secretary-General position. Shettima's meetings with Grynspan and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands highlighted Nigeria's priorities for the next UN Secretary-General, including a commitment to multilateralism, conflict prevention, and reforms that would give Africa a stronger voice in global decision-making.
Key points
- Nigeria is pushing for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
- Vice President Shettima represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 81st UN General Assembly.
- Nigeria's assessment of candidates for the UN Secretary-General position will prioritize equity, justice, fairness, and Africa's aspirations.
