Nigeria Advocates Africa’s Permanent Seat on UN Security Council

Kehinde Fajobi

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has called for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that Nigeria is well-positioned to represent the continent.

In a statement by Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar’s Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy, the minister made these remarks during a panel discussion titled “Africa’s Momentum” at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland, on Wednesday.

Tuggar criticised Africa’s exclusion from the Council, despite nearly 60 per cent of its resolutions addressing African issues.

“Decisions such as the deforestation law banning goods from deforested African land often harm the continent without holding companies accountable for their role in deforestation,” Tuggar said.

Moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, the discussion featured key speakers like Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Nafti, DRC’s Foreign Minister Therese Wagner, and Uganda’s Finance Minister Matia Kasaija. The panel explored Africa’s role in global governance and the significance of the 2025 G20 summit in South Africa.

Highlighting Nigeria’s global outlook under President Bola Tinubu, Tuggar emphasised the country’s principles of strategic autonomy and nonalignment.

He also underscored Nigeria’s strong ties with South Africa, noting its historical support for South Africa’s liberation struggle.

“Nigeria’s involvement in South Africa’s liberation and its continued support solidify our relationship,” Tuggar said.

He added that Nigeria’s contributions to African development, such as the Technical Aid Corps programme, showcased its leadership in advancing the continent.

Tuggar stressed Nigeria’s peaceful relations with its neighbours and its pivotal role in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council.

He also called for renewed commitments from developed nations to transfer technology to developing countries, as agreed during the Rio Summit.

The minister argued that Africa should not be treated as a single entity but recognised as a diverse and powerful region.

With its population size, economic strength, and history of global and African advocacy, he stated, “Nigeria is uniquely positioned to represent Africa on the global stage, including the UN Security Council.”