Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has made a strong call for the country’s inclusion in the United Nations Security Council during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York.
Badaru emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security, citing its contributions to 41 peacekeeping missions globally since 1960.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s extensive peacekeeping efforts, including deployments to countries such as Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, and Sierra Leone. He noted that over 200,000 Nigerian troops have served in UN peacekeeping missions, demonstrating the country’s unwavering dedication to global peace and security.
Badaru stressed that Nigeria’s contributions have earned it a rightful place in the UN Security Council. He advocated for reforms to ensure Africa has permanent representation, emphasizing the need for a more inclusive and equitable international security framework.
“Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security, since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.
“To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
“Nigeria under the regional and sub-regional cooperation has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in several countries.”, the Minister said.
The demand for UN Security Council reform has been a recurring theme during the 79th General Assembly. Nigeria’s push for inclusion comes at a critical time, as the global community seeks to address pressing security challenges.
As the UN continues to evolve, Nigeria’s call for reform and representation underscores the importance of diverse perspectives and collective action in maintaining international peace and security. The outcome of Nigeria’s demand remains to be seen, but Badaru’s address has certainly sparked a timely and necessary conversation.
