Shettima calls for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council — Premium Times Nigeria
Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima said during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York, United States, that Africa’s lack of permanent representation on the UN Security Council undermines the fairness and legitimacy of the global governance system. This was reported by Premium Times Nigeria.
Call for Security Council reform
Shettima expressed this position during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for urgent UN reform and said the country was ready to contribute to rebuilding trust among states, defending international law, and combating hunger, violence, and exclusion.
The vice president also noted UN Secretary-General António Guterres’ support for the idea of a more representative Security Council. Shettima recalled Guterres’ statement that a 21st-century Council without permanent African representation is unfair and unjustifiable. He stressed that the continent cannot bear the burden of the international order without having an equal right to influence its formation.
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Regional representation and humanitarian consequences
Shettima said that international decisions should more fully take into account current geopolitical and demographic realities. He also praised Guterres for defending international law and human dignity amid expanding global conflicts and geopolitical tensions.
According to the vice president, diplomacy must not ignore the human consequences of wars and instability. He noted that a mother searching for her child, a family forced to leave its home, and a hungry child must not become abstractions in the language of states.
Amina Mohammed thanked Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Tinubu for supporting the UN and her office. Shettima added that trust in the international system will depend on its ability to respond fairly to human suffering and ensure that all regions have a real voice in global decision-making.
