Tinubu Demands UN Security Council Reform, Permanent Seats for Africa
By Nafiu Muhammad Lema
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent reforms of the United Nations Security Council, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa with full veto powers and five non-permanent seats.
Tinubu made the call on Thursday, September 24, 2026, in his address delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima during the General Debate of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, the President insisted that the global distribution of power established in 1945 no longer reflects present-day realities
“The reform of this institution must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council, for the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945. Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership,” Tinubu said.
He maintained that Nigeria’s demand aligns with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which advocate equitable African representation in global decision-making.
The President also called for an immediate end to ongoing wars, urging world leaders to recommit to the principles of the UN Charter, international law, diplomacy and multilateral cooperation.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace and security, citing the country’s peacekeeping contributions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia
On global economic reforms, Tinubu demanded changes to the international financial system to give developing countries greater access to concessional financing and a stronger voice in economic decision-making.
He expressed concern that rising debt-servicing costs were depriving developing nations of resources needed for education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Addressing climate change, the President reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Paris Agreement and its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
He called for fair climate financing and technology transfer to enable African countries to industrialise, reduce poverty and expand energy access while pursuing sustainable development.
Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s efforts to expand digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity and technological entrepreneurship, describing artificial intelligence as a tool that must serve human advancement.
On terrorism and insecurity, he urged stronger international cooperation, stressing that military operations alone cannot guarantee lasting peace without education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and respect for human rights.
He further called for urgent diplomatic intervention in Sudan and other conflict-affected countries, warning that prolonged warfare threatens global stability.
The President concluded by urging world leaders to build a more inclusive and effective United Nations capable of addressing contemporary security, economic and environmental challenges.
