President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the global power structure of 1945 no longer reflects the realities of the world in 2026.
Tinubu made the call in his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA81), delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima on September 24, 2026.
The President urged the international community to return to the principles of dialogue, mutual respect, cooperation and international law as means of addressing global conflicts.
He said Africa should have at least two permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent members, including veto powers for as long as the veto remains part of the Council's structure. He also called for five non-permanent seats for Africa.
Tinubu said Nigeria was prepared to take on greater responsibilities in promoting international peace and security, citing the country's contributions to peace efforts in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
On climate change, the President said Nigeria remained committed to the Paris Agreement and its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060. He called for greater access to climate finance and technology for developing countries while protecting their right to economic development.
Tinubu also highlighted the opportunities and risks associated with artificial intelligence, urging countries to ensure that emerging technologies are used to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity rather than fuel conflict.
He said Nigeria was investing in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, research institutions, innovation and technology entrepreneurship, while encouraging international cooperation with Africa's young technology innovators.
The President further called for reforms to the international financial system, including wider access to affordable financing and debt sustainability frameworks that take the development needs of poorer countries into account.
He described the African Continental Free Trade Area as a major opportunity for Africa to expand intra-African trade, strengthen regional value chains, attract investment and move from exporting raw materials towards manufacturing, technological innovation and value addition.
On security, Tinubu said terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows required stronger international cooperation. He noted that Nigeria's experience with Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups had shown that military action alone was insufficient without education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and protection of communities.
He also called for urgent diplomatic efforts to address conflicts in Sudan and other war-affected countries, stressing the need to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access and uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.
Tinubu said lasting peace could not be achieved through military victories alone, urging greater investment in diplomacy, mediation, peacebuilding, institution-building and sustainable development.
Concluding his address, the President pledged Nigeria's commitment to cooperation, dialogue, partnership and peaceful international relations.
He said a reformed, inclusive and effective United Nations remained essential to achieving a peaceful, just and sustainable world for future generations.
Tags
National News