Nigeria to renew UN Security Council push, reforms at UNGA81

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Vice President Kashim Shettima.

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Nigeria will renew its campaign for permanent representation on the UN Security Council as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s engagements at UNGA81.

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The country will also push for wider UN reforms, stronger development outcomes for developing countries and increased international investment in Nigeria.

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Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim, made this known while briefing Shettima on the country’s priorities in New York.

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The briefing reviewed Nigeria’s agenda, expectations and strategic engagements during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly.

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Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, disclosed this after the meeting.

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Nkwocha said Nigeria would build on positions advanced during previous UN engagements, particularly its advocacy for reforms capable of making multilateralism more responsive to developing countries.

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He said Shettima would communicate President Bola Tinubu’s positions across several high-level forums during the gathering.

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Among the priorities is Nigeria’s longstanding campaign for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.

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“The Vice-President will, at all the forums, present President Tinubu’s message across different sectors, including Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” Nkwocha said.

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Nigeria has consistently argued that Africa’s continued absence from permanent membership of the Security Council represents a major imbalance in global governance.

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The 15-member council currently has five permanent members, namely, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, possessing veto powers.

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Africa, in spite of comprising 54 UN Member States and accounting for a substantial share of issues considered by the council, has no permanent seat.

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Nigeria has maintained that reform should reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and give Africa greater participation in decisions affecting international peace and security.

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Nkwocha said Nigeria would also engage strategically with governments, international organisations, businesses and development partners throughout UNGA high-level week.

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Jimoh said Nigeria’s participation would focus heavily on reforms capable of increasing the UN’s practical impact on member states.

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According to him, reform should ensure that multilateral institutions translate policies and resources into measurable improvements for countries and their citizens.

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Nigeria’s delegation is expected to use such engagements to promote sectors including solid minerals, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology.

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Shettima is representing Tinubu at the 81st General Assembly and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.

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Nigeria is scheduled to speak fourth during Thursday afternoon’s session.

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His address is expected to articulate Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, sustainable development, global financial reform, climate action and multilateral cooperation. (NAN)

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