Tinubu Demands Two Permanent UN Security Council Seats for Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a major overhaul of the United Nations Security Council, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa as part of efforts to give the continent a stronger voice in global affairs. 

ADVERTISE HERE:
[email protected]

Tinubu made the demand in his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

The President argued that the current structure of the Security Council no longer reflects the realities of the modern world. 

He said the distribution of global power established in 1945 should not continue to determine international decision-making in 2026.

Nigeria wants Africa to receive at least two permanent seats on the council, with the same rights and responsibilities enjoyed by existing permanent members, including veto power if the veto system remains.

Tinubu also called for five non-permanent seats for African countries, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration. 

The UN currently has five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members. 

“Africa cannot continue to contribute to the work of the Security Council while remaining outside its permanent membership,” Tinubu said in the address.

He also urged world leaders to confront the spread of armed conflicts and growing nationalism, warning that instability in one part of the world can have consequences far beyond its immediate borders.

According to him, the international community must return to the principles of dialogue, cooperation and respect for international law as the foundation for resolving disputes.

Tinubu said Nigeria remained committed to peacekeeping and conflict resolution across Africa, citing its involvement in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.

He added that Nigeria would continue working through organisations such as the Economic Community of West African States, African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships to support mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security.

Beyond security, the President used his address to push for changes to the global financial system, particularly improved access to affordable development financing and stronger debt sustainability mechanisms for developing countries.

He argued that excessive debt-servicing obligations were limiting the ability of many developing nations to invest adequately in education, healthcare and infrastructure.

Tinubu also linked Nigeria’s domestic economic reforms to its broader international agenda, pointing to macroeconomic management, institutional strengthening, private-sector development and public investment.

On climate change, he called for a development model that allows poorer countries to industrialise and expand energy access without abandoning environmental commitments.

He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for the Paris Agreement and a fair energy transition, noting that Africa contributes less than four per cent of global emissions while facing significant climate-related challenges.

The President further placed technology and artificial intelligence among the areas requiring greater international cooperation. 

He said Nigeria was expanding digital infrastructure, broadband access and technology entrepreneurship to ensure that technological development contributes to human progress.

Tinubu also warned that security threats such as terrorism and cyberattacks could not be contained by military action alone.

Drawing from Nigeria’s experience fighting Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, he said sustainable security required education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and respect for human rights.

He maintained that Nigeria would continue to support regional security efforts and African-led solutions, backed by international partnerships.

The demand for greater African representation comes as UN member states continue negotiations over Security Council reform. 

The African position has consistently sought at least two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats, with veto rights for new permanent members if the veto is retained.