Kehinde Fajobi
Nigeria has garnered support from several West African nations in its bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The move comes as the U.S. backs the addition of two permanent African seats on the Council.
Currently, the UN Security Council has 15 members, including five permanent members with veto power, and 10 non-permanent members serving two-year terms.
Despite Africa’s 54 UN member states, it lacks permanent representation on the council. Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are the leading contenders for these new seats.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, shared details of his recent diplomatic efforts during a press conference in Abuja.
He revealed that he led a delegation to Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau to secure their support for Nigeria’s candidacy.
“Everywhere we went, we had the opportunity to discuss and solicit support for Nigeria’s intention to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” Tuggar said.
“All the countries we visited assured us that they are in the same region, and they know there is no other country that is better suited, better qualified to speak on behalf of the continent than Nigeria.”
Tuggar also emphasised the importance of Nigeria’s candidacy, noting that 68% of the decisions made at the Security Council impact Africa, yet no African nation currently holds a permanent seat.
“Nigeria represents not just ourselves, not just our region, but for the world as a whole,” he added.
Tuggar further stated that the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, is committed to pursuing this goal.
He also highlighted the U.S. endorsement of permanent African seats at the Security Council, marking a significant shift in support for Africa’s representation.
“This is what this administration is ready to do,” Tuggar said. “We are getting the right response because, for the first time, the United States issued a statement fully supporting permanent seats for Africa at the UN Security Council.”