• Africa
• nigeria
• UNSC
• Veto Power

NIGERIA INTENSIFIES BID FOR UN SECURITY COUNCIL PERMANENT SEATS FOR AFRICA WITH VETO POWER

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  CapitalTimesNews / 2 weeks
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• 3 min read

Nigeria has intensified its bid to secure permanent seats with veto-wielding authority in the United Nations Security Council for Africa, declaring that a comprehensive reform of the global governance system is long overdue. This call was made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola. In a statement, President Tinubu insisted, “It is time for Africa to occupy permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with all attendant privileges, including the veto. Genuine text-based negotiations under the Intergovernmental Negotiations framework must now commence.” He expressed hope that EU Member States would support Africa’s long-standing and legitimate call for UN reform. The Nigerian leader also demanded Africa-led solutions to insecurity and rejected the use of private military firms on the continent, while reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to advancing peace and democratic governance across Africa. Tinubu disclosed that over 250,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals had surrendered in early 2025 as a result of the Nigerian Government’s kinetic and non-kinetic measures. He highlighted the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin as an effective model of African-led cooperative security. In a statement, he said, “As of early 2025, over 120,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals, including family members, have surrendered.” He further noted Nigeria’s commitment was reinforced by a recent Sea-Lift Agreement between the Nigerian Navy and the AU Standby Force. The President called for the European Union to co-create peace and security initiatives with African partners, anchored on African-led frameworks. “However, recent experience has shown that externally driven initiatives, however well-intentioned, cannot succeed at pace without strong regional ownership and a grounded understanding of local dynamics. Peace and security initiatives must therefore be co-created with African partners and anchored in African-led frameworks,” Tinubu stated. He advised that the issue of irregular migration be addressed by acknowledging its economic and demographic drivers, proposing structured labour pathways as a solution instead of criminalising mobility. Furthermore, President Tinubu frowned on the resurgence of Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa, stating they undermine the continent’s democratic foundations. He called on the EU to work with African partners to address the structural drivers of these crises and highlighted Nigeria’s initiation of the Regional Partnership for Democracy. In a statement, Tinubu also addressed other conflicts, saying, “The conflict in Sudan has resulted in more than 40,000 deaths and displaced over 12 million people.” He stressed Nigeria’s firm belief that peace and security initiatives must be African-led, adding, “We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty.” The President concluded by expressing Nigeria’s deep appreciation to the Government of Angola for its hospitality and to the European Union for its longstanding support.