President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for urgent reform of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the distribution of global power established in 1945 no longer reflects the realities of the world in 2026.
Tinubu made the call in Nigeria’s national statement at the ongoing 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, which was delivered on his behalf by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, September 24, 2026. Shettima is representing the President and leading Nigeria’s delegation to the General Assembly.
The President advocated at least two permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council, with the full rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including veto powers if the veto system is retained. He also called for five additional non-permanent seats for the continent.
Tinubu said Nigeria would continue to pursue diplomacy, multilateral cooperation and respect for international law rather than coercion, isolation or the unlawful use of force.
He also linked Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives to domestic economic reforms, stressing the importance of sound economic management, stronger institutions, investment and private-sector development.
On climate change, the President rejected the notion that developing countries must choose between economic development and climate action. He called for fair access to climate finance, technology and technical expertise to enable developing countries to expand industrialisation, reduce poverty and increase energy access.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its Energy Transition Plan and its ambition to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060. The approach outlined by the President includes renewable energy, clean cooking, natural gas as a transition fuel, climate-smart agriculture and environmental protection.
Tinubu further urged the international community to approach artificial intelligence with a balance between responsible governance and innovation. He said concerns about AI should not prevent countries from using the technology to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic development.
He called for greater international investment in Nigeria’s young technology and innovation ecosystem, including digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, research and technology-based businesses.
On global finance, the President advocated reforms that would provide developing countries with more accessible financing and improved debt-management mechanisms, allowing them to invest more in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Tinubu also identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as an important platform for transforming Africa’s economy. He urged the continent to move beyond dependence on the export of raw materials by promoting local processing, manufacturing, value addition, innovation and knowledge-based economic activities.
In addressing security challenges, Nigeria called for stronger intelligence-sharing mechanisms, measures to disrupt terrorist financing and efforts to combat illicit arms trafficking. The President also stressed the importance of education, economic opportunities, good governance and protection of human rights in addressing the underlying conditions that contribute to insecurity.
On international conflicts, Tinubu called for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis in Sudan, while urging the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance and respect for international law.
The 81st UN General Assembly is being held in New York from September 22 to 28, 2026, under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.” Nigeria had earlier said its participation would focus on national interests, multilateralism and reforms to global institutions to make them more representative and responsive to contemporary realities.
Tags
Politics