Korede Abdullah 
Vice-President Kashim Shettima
LAGOS, Nigeria – Nigeria has demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima calling for the continent to have full permanent-member rights, including veto powers for as long as the veto exists.
Shettima made the demand on Thursday while presenting Nigeria’s national statement on behalf of President Bola Tinubu at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He said the current composition of the Security Council no longer reflected the realities of the modern world and called for reform in line with the Ezulwini Consensus. “Nigeria demands, in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the CFTA Declaration, at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including the veto, for as long as it exists, and five non-permanent seats in total,” he said.
Shettima said Africa could not continue to contribute to global peace and security while remaining without permanent representation on the council.
He cited Nigeria’s involvement in regional and international peace efforts, including contributions through ECOWAS and the African Union, as part of the country’s case for greater African representation.
Beyond UN reform, Shettima called for changes to the international financial architecture, including wider access to concessional financing and debt sustainability frameworks that recognise the development needs of poorer countries.
He also urged stronger climate financing, saying developing countries should be able to industrialise, reduce poverty and expand energy access without having to choose between development and climate action.
On African economic integration, Shettima highlighted the African Continental Free Trade Area, calling for greater value addition, manufacturing, technological innovation and intra-African trade rather than continued dependence on exports of raw materials.
He also called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyber-attacks and illicit finance, particularly amid insecurity in the Sahel.
On artificial intelligence, the Vice-President said Nigeria was investing in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, research and technology entrepreneurship and urged responsible use of the technology in sectors including healthcare, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.
Shettima further called for urgent diplomacy to address conflicts, including the war in Sudan, and urged the UN to strengthen peacebuilding, mediation, institution-building and conflict prevention
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Oluwatobi Adu 
