Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered a landmark address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, reiterating the nation’s longstanding demand for two permanent seats on the UN Security Council with veto power for Africa. The speech, representing President Bola Tinubu, underscored Nigeria’s commitment to global multilateralism while highlighting urgent priorities for institutional reform, climate resilience, and economic equity. Shettima’s remarks came amid growing calls from African nations to address the continent’s underrepresentation in the UN’s most powerful body, a demand rooted in the Ezulwini Consensus and the African Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA) Declaration.
The address marked Nigeria’s first major diplomatic statement at the 2026 UNGA session, with Shettima framing the nation’s position as a moral and strategic imperative. “Africa cannot continue to fill the council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership,” he stated, emphasizing that the current Security Council structure, established in 1945, no longer reflects the geopolitical realities of the 21st century. Nigeria’s call for two permanent seats, alongside five non-permanent ones, aligns with the continent’s collective aspiration to shape global governance on equal footing with other regions.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s advocacy for a reformed international financial architecture, urging greater access to concessional financing and debt sustainability frameworks that prioritize developmental needs. “Many developing countries devote substantial resources to debt servicing at the expense of education, healthcare, and infrastructure,” he said, stressing the need for equitable climate finance mechanisms. Nigeria’s energy transition plan, which aims for net-zero emissions by 2060, was highlighted as a model for balancing industrialization with environmental stewardship, particularly for nations contributing less than 4% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
The speech addressed the dual challenges of climate action and technological innovation, with Shettima noting that “an invention can be destructive or beneficial depending on the purpose it serves.” Nigeria’s investment in digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity, and AI-driven solutions was presented as a commitment to harnessing technology for societal advancement. “We invite the world to work with our inventive, resourceful, and enterprising young people to direct AI towards humanity’s advancement rather than its destruction,” he said, underscoring the need for global cooperation in regulating emerging technologies.
Nigeria’s stance on regional security was another focal point, with Shettima citing the country’s decades-long efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime. “Our prolonged struggle against Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other armed groups has taught us that military victories require enduring foundations in education, economic opportunity, and accountable governance,” he stated. The address called for enhanced intelligence-sharing, institutional capacity-building, and cross-border collaboration to counter transnational threats, particularly in the Sahel region, where insecurity has displaced millions and destabilized regional integration efforts.
The speech also emphasized Nigeria’s role as a regional leader within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union. Shettima highlighted the nation’s contributions to peacekeeping missions in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali, and The Gambia, stating, “Through ECOWAS, the African Union, and our Gulf of Guinea partnerships, we continue to advance mediation, democratic governance, and maritime security.” He reiterated Nigeria’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area, which he described as “one of the continent’s most transformative opportunities” for deepening regional integration and industrialization.
In the context of global conflicts, Shettima called for urgent diplomacy to address the humanitarian and geopolitical crises in Sudan and other war-torn regions. “All parties must uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians, and facilitate humanitarian access,” he said, stressing that “no claim of security can justify starving children, denying relief to civilians, or erasing communities from the land they call home.” The address condemned the erosion of trust in international institutions, urging leaders to prioritize dialogue over division and cooperation over isolation.
Nigeria’s position on the UN’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding was underscored by Shettima’s call for greater resources and political attention to these areas. “Prevention must command greater resources and political attention,” he stated, advocating for stronger peacekeeping missions and institutional reforms to address the root causes of violence. The speech also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes under the UN Charter, emphasizing that “military victories alone cannot secure lasting peace.”
The address touched on Nigeria’s domestic priorities, including macroeconomic reforms and private sector development. Shettima noted that “sound macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, and strategic public investment” are central to Nigeria’s sustainable development agenda. He linked the nation’s economic progress to its continental and global responsibilities, stating, “Our national advancement is bound to our continent’s progress and to our responsibility to contribute to a peaceful, equitable, and prosperous world.”
Nigeria’s call for institutional reform extended to the UN’s governance structures, with Shettima urging the organization to “evolve with the aspirations of the present and future generations.” He criticized the “outdated institutions” that fail to reflect the realities of a interconnected world, arguing that “institutions that resist change imperil their relevance.” The speech concluded with a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s belief in the power of cooperation, stating, “The humanity we share is stronger than the divisions we have met, and that cooperation remains wider than conflict.”
The address was delivered against the backdrop of significant developments in Nigeria’s economic and diplomatic landscape. Earlier in the week, the government announced a $7 billion agreement with DP World for a deep seaport project, part of broader efforts to enhance trade and infrastructure. Additionally, the speech coincided with growing regional tensions, including the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the Sahel’s destabilization, which Nigeria has actively sought to address through multilateral channels.
Shettima’s remarks were met with mixed reactions from global observers. While African leaders praised Nigeria’s advocacy for continental representation, some analysts questioned the feasibility of securing permanent Security Council seats without broader support from existing members. Nonetheless, the speech reinforced Nigeria’s role as a key voice in global discussions on equity, development, and security, positioning the nation as a bridge between the Global South and the international community.
The 81st UNGA session, presided over by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has seen a surge in calls for institutional reform, with Nigeria’s address adding momentum to these debates. As the assembly continues, the focus remains on translating rhetoric into actionable policies that address the pressing challenges of climate change, economic inequality, and global security. Nigeria’s leadership in these discussions underscores its growing influence on the world stage, even as it navigates the complexities of domestic and international priorities.
The speech concluded with a powerful appeal for unity and shared purpose. “Whatever our differences, we must remember that humanity is our oldest citizenship, and peace is the inheritance we owe every child,” Shettima said, echoing the UN’s founding principles. His address served as both a declaration of Nigeria’s ambitions and a reminder of the collective responsibility to build a more just and sustainable world.
Nigeria’s participation in the 81st UNGA highlights the nation’s evolving role as a regional and global actor. With its emphasis on multilateralism, economic equity, and institutional reform, the country is positioning itself as a leader in shaping the future of international cooperation. As the assembly progresses, the world will be watching to see how these commitments translate into tangible outcomes for Africa and the broader global community.
The address also touched on Nigeria’s efforts to combat the spread of misinformation and the ethical use of artificial intelligence. Shettima warned against allowing “propaganda to shield perpetrators from justice to the point that telling the truth becomes a crime,” calling for a recommitment to transparency and accountability in global governance. This stance aligns with Nigeria’s broader push for digital ethics and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies.
In closing, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s pledge to “cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, hope over fear, and partnership over isolation.” His remarks underscored the nation’s determination to play a constructive role in global affairs while advocating for the rights and aspirations of Africa and other developing nations. As the 81st UNGA session continues, Nigeria’s voice remains a critical component of the ongoing dialogue on the future of international institutions and global cooperation.
The speech’s emphasis on Africa’s potential as a driver of global growth was a recurring theme. Shettima highlighted the continent’s “resilience, ingenuity, useful population, natural wealth, and expanding markets,” arguing that Africa’s integration into global value chains could catalyze economic transformation. This vision aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area’s goals of deepening regional integration and fostering industrialization, positioning Nigeria as a key player in this regional renaissance.
Nigeria’s address at the 81st UNGA reflects a strategic balance between asserting its national interests and championing collective action. By advocating for institutional reforms, climate justice, and technological innovation, the country is positioning itself as a bridge between the Global South’s aspirations and the demands of a rapidly changing world. As the assembly concludes, the focus will remain on how these commitments translate into measurable progress for Africa and the global community.
The 81st UNGA session has underscored the urgency of reimagining global governance structures to address contemporary challenges. Nigeria’s leadership in these discussions highlights the nation’s growing influence and its commitment to shaping a more equitable and sustainable future. As the world grapples with the complexities of climate change, economic inequality, and security threats, Nigeria’s voice serves as a reminder of the power of collective action and the importance of inclusive institutions.
The speech’s call for a reformed, inclusive, and effective United Nations resonated with many delegates, who acknowledged the need for the organization to adapt to the 21st century’s realities. Shettima’s address not only reinforced Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities but also contributed to the broader conversation on the future of multilateralism. As the assembly moves forward, the focus will be on translating these discussions into concrete actions that reflect the aspirations of all nations, particularly those in the Global South.