Nigeria has formally called for major reform of the United Nations Security Council, demanding that Africa be granted at least two permanent seats with full rights and privileges.

Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the demand on Thursday while presenting Nigeria’s national statement at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Speaking from the General Assembly podium, Shettima pressed for structural changes that would give the African continent permanent representation on the world’s most powerful decision-making body for peace and security.

The call aligns with the longstanding African Union position, known as the Ezulwini Consensus, which seeks a minimum of two permanent seats for Africa (with veto power if the veto is retained) plus additional non-permanent seats.

Africa currently has no permanent members on the 15-nation Security Council, despite accounting for a large share of the issues the body addresses and comprising 54 of the UN’s member states. The five existing permanent members China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States still reflect the post-World War II power structure.

Nigeria, which has previously served five times as a non-permanent member, has consistently argued that permanent African representation is essential for fairness, legitimacy, and effective global governance in the 21st century.

Shettima’s remarks renew Nigeria’s campaign for both continental seats and a stronger Nigerian voice in any reformed Council. #Nigeria