Tinubu Demands Two Permanent Seats With Veto Power For Africa At UNGA

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a major reform of the United Nations Security Council, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa with full veto power.

The President made the call on Wednesday during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York. His address was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima.

Tinubu said the UN must reflect present-day global realities and not the power structure of 1945, insisting that reform must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council.

“Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership,” the President said.

He said Nigeria’s position aligns with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which demand at least two permanent seats for Africa with all rights and privileges, including veto power for as long as it exists, and five non-permanent seats.

“The authority to speak for humanity carries an obligation to represent it,” he added.

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s readiness to take on greater responsibility for global peace and security, recalling the country’s contributions to peacekeeping operations and conflict resolution in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS, African Union and Gulf of Guinea initiatives on mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security.

On global development, the President called for reform of the international financial architecture, expanded access to concessional financing, and debt sustainability frameworks that consider the needs of developing countries. He advocated blended finance, private capital and South-South cooperation to drive sustainable development and climate-resilient infrastructure.

On climate change, Tinubu rejected the notion that developing nations must choose between development and climate action, stating that countries like Nigeria must be allowed to industrialize, fight poverty and expand energy access through low-carbon pathways while pursuing net-zero emissions by 2060.

He further called for responsible deployment of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare, education, agriculture and governance, noting that Nigeria is investing in broadband, digital public infrastructure and innovation.

On security, Tinubu said terrorism, organized crime, cyberattacks and illicit finance exploit gaps in national responses. He said Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP has shown that military action must be complemented with education, jobs and accountable governance.

He urged stronger intelligence sharing and action against financing of terrorism, while calling for urgent diplomacy and protection of civilians in Sudan and other conflict zones.

Tinubu said lasting peace cannot be achieved by military victory alone and called for a reformed, inclusive and effective UN that serves all nations, stressing that Nigeria will continue to choose cooperation over confrontation.