Nigeria gains momentum in bid for UN security council seat

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, announced that the country has secured the backing of several West African nations in its pursuit of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

This development marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s longstanding quest for a permanent position on the council.

The UN Security Council, comprised of five veto-wielding nations (the US, Russia, China, France, and the UK) and ten elected states serving two-year terms, is responsible for maintaining global peace and security. Despite Africa’s 54 member states in the UN, the continent lacks permanent representation on the council.

At a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, Tuggar revealed that he had led a delegation to Togo, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau to garner support for Nigeria’s bid. “Everywhere we went, we had the opportunity to discuss and solicit support for Nigeria’s intention to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council,” Tuggar stated.

READ ALSO: NGX EOUND-UP: Topsy turvy week ends in red for investors with N118bn loss

Tuggar emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s presence on the council, citing that 68% of decisions made involve Africa. “So, it’s important that Nigeria is in there; it’s important that Nigeria represents and speaks for not just ourselves, not just our region, not just the continent, but for the world as a whole.”

Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are the top contenders for the position, given their economic, political, and diplomatic influence on the continent. The United States government expressed support for creating two permanent seats for Africa on September 23.

President Bola Tinubu is reportedly “pushing hard” for Nigeria’s inclusion, with Tuggar noting that the US’s statement of support marks a significant turning point. “This is what this administration is ready to do… We are getting the right response because, for the first time, the United States came out and issued a statement and said they are fully in support of permanent seats in the United Nations Security Council for Africa”, Tuggar noted.

Additionally, the visited countries pledged support for Femi Elias, Nigeria’s candidate for the International Court of Justice.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now