Tinubu will deliver permanent UN Security Council seat for Nigeria — Jimoh Ibrahim

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Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will secure a permanent seat for Nigeria on the United Nations Security Council, saying the President is committed to pushing for Africa’s greater representation in the global body.

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Ibrahim spoke on Thursday during an interview on Channels Television, where he said Tinubu had consistently argued that the absence of any African country from the council’s permanent membership was unfair and remained a major concern for him.

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“His (Tinubu) major argument is that why is it that United Nations did not admit any African country into the permanent seat of the Security Council. This worries him a lot,” Ibrahim said.

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According to the diplomat, Tinubu has repeatedly used international platforms to advocate for reforms that would guarantee Africa, particularly Nigeria, a permanent place on the council.

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“His speeches that he delivered pointed to the fact that he was not happy with the idea of UN not admitting Africa, particularly Nigeria, to the Security Council,” he added.

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The UN Security Council consists of five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — collectively known as the P5, each possessing veto power over substantive resolutions. The council also has 10 non-permanent members elected to serve two-year terms.

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Nigeria last served as a non-permanent member of the Security Council between 2014 and 2015, its fifth tenure on the body. The country has long advocated for a permanent seat, citing its population, economic influence and contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations.

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Ibrahim acknowledged that reforming the Security Council remained a complex process because its current structure was established about 80 years ago, before many African nations, including Nigeria, attained independence.

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Despite the challenges, he expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations would eventually lead to reforms.

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“The good news is I can assure you that President Tinubu will secure a Security Council seat very soon,” Ibrahim said.

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The envoy also disclosed that Tinubu had discussed the issue with Ghanaian President John Mahama.

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According to Ibrahim, Mahama recently played a key role in securing the United Nations’ recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity, demonstrating the growing influence of African leaders in shaping global decisions.

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