Nigeria Demands Security Council Seat, Global Debt Action At UNGA 80

-Special Report-

Nigeria’s Bold Call for Global Reform at UNGA 80

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Nigeria emerged as a vocal advocate for sweeping global reforms, demanding a permanent seat on the UN Security Council and urgent action on sovereign debt relief.

Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, who delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national statement, Nigeria’s delegation laid out a compelling vision for a more inclusive and equitable international order.

Vice President Shettima opened his address by challenging the relevance of the United Nations in its current form, arguing that the institution must evolve to reflect contemporary global realities. He emphasized that the UN’s credibility hinges on its ability to adapt, warning that the slow pace of progress on key issues has led many nations to question the fairness of multilateralism.

Nigeria’s call for a permanent seat on the Security Council was framed as a demand for fairness and representation, rooted in the country’s demographic weight, peacekeeping record, and regional influence. With over 236 million citizens and a rapidly growing youth population, Nigeria positioned itself as a stabilizing force in regional security and a consistent partner in global peacekeeping efforts.

Beyond governance reform, Nigeria’s delegation spotlighted the urgent need for a restructured global financial system. Shettima proposed the creation of a binding international mechanism to manage sovereign debt, likening it to “a sort of International Court of Justice for money.” This mechanism, he argued, would enable emerging economies to escape the economic straitjacket of primary production and unprocessed exports. Debt relief, he stressed, should not be viewed as charity but as a strategic pathway to global peace and prosperity. Nigeria also called for equitable access to trade and financing, urging reforms that would empower developing nations to move beyond raw material exports toward sustainable growth.

The Vice President further addressed the exploitation of Africa’s mineral wealth, advocating for responsible investment and development. He warned that access to strategic resources has historically fueled conflict and called for international investment in the exploration, development, and processing of these minerals within Africa. Nigeria’s experience in the Niger Delta was cited as evidence that communities benefit most when they are included in the value chain of resource extraction. Shettima argued that fair partnerships in mineral development would diversify global supply chains, reduce geopolitical tensions, and foster peace.

In addition, Nigeria urged the global community to bridge the digital divide through a dedicated initiative that brings together researchers, governments, and the private sector. Shettima highlighted the transformative potential of technology while cautioning against its misuse, particularly the spread of misinformation. He called for safeguards that enable growth while mitigating the corrosive effects of digital disruption.

President Tinubu’s administration also reaffirmed its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and praised the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a landmark achievement in regional cooperation.

Nigeria’s message at UNGA 80 was clear: the international system must evolve to reflect the aspirations and realities of the Global South. With its bold proposals and assertive diplomacy, Nigeria positioned itself not just as a participant in global affairs, but as a leader demanding a seat at the table where decisions about the future are made.