Vice President Kashim Shettima has warned that Africa cannot continue to bear the burdens of the global order without permanent power and meaningful representation on the UN Security Council. He made this statement during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly. Shettima emphasized that the continent's continued exclusion from permanent membership of the Security Council undermines the fairness, credibility, and legitimacy of global governance.
Shettima renewed Nigeria's demand for urgent reform of the United Nations and stronger African representation in global decision-making. He commended UN Secretary-General António Guterres for supporting a more representative Security Council and reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to strengthening multilateralism. The Vice President stressed that international institutions must become more representative, responsive, and credible, reflecting contemporary geopolitical and demographic realities.
The Vice President said that a continent cannot be summoned to bear the burdens of the international order and then denied an equal hand in directing it. He maintained that sovereignty carries responsibilities and that the power wielded by states should not be treated as a licence to violate international law. Shettima also warned that diplomacy must not lose sight of the human consequences of war and instability.
Shettima praised Guterres for defending international law and human dignity amid widening global conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions. He described the Secretary-General's position that a 21st-century council without permanent African representation was "unjust and indefensible" as a significant step towards reform. The Vice President also commended Amina Mohammed for her contributions to multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development.
Amina Mohammed expressed gratitude to Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their support for the United Nations and her office as deputy secretary-general. She described the presence of the Nigerian delegation as a deep honour and thanked President Tinubu for his support. Mohammed emphasized that Nigeria's support has been an incredible source of strength for her and the institution.
Shettima departed New York for Abuja after representing President Tinubu and leading Nigeria's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly. During his engagements in New York, the Vice President led high-level diplomatic meetings focused on Nigeria's foreign policy priorities and the country's role in efforts to strengthen the multilateral system.
The Vice President's warning and call for reform reflect Nigeria's renewed push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. The country's efforts aim to strengthen African representation and address issues of importance to the continent. Shettima's engagements at the UNGA81 demonstrate Nigeria's commitment to global governance and its role in shaping a more representative and equitable international order.
Key points
- Africa cannot shoulder global burdens without permanent power on the UN Security Council.
- Nigeria renews call for urgent reform of the United Nations and stronger African representation.
- Vice President Shettima commends UN Secretary-General António Guterres for supporting a more representative Security Council.
