Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned Africa's exclusion from the United Nations Security Council, calling it 'unjust and indefensible' and urging urgent reforms to make global governance more representative. The statement came during a meeting with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where Shettima emphasized the need for a more equitable international order.
Shettima's remarks underscored Nigeria's longstanding advocacy for Security Council reform, a cause the country has championed for decades. He reiterated the nation's commitment to supporting efforts that enhance the credibility and responsiveness of global institutions, particularly in addressing issues like hunger, violence, and exclusion. 'A continent cannot be summoned to bear the burdens of the international order and then denied an equal hand in directing it,' he said, echoing sentiments expressed by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
The vice president praised Guterres for his consistent stance on Security Council reform, citing the UN chief's assertion that a 21st-century Council without permanent African representation is 'unjust and indefensible.' Shettima argued that global decision-making must reflect contemporary geopolitical and demographic realities, a point he linked to the broader need for international law to uphold human dignity amid rising conflicts and tensions.
Guterres, in turn, acknowledged Nigeria's role as a 'dependable partner' in advancing multilateralism. He commended the nation's efforts to defend international law and address global challenges, including the humanitarian crises exacerbated by war and instability. 'Sovereignty carries duties, and the worth of a human life cannot vary with the flag above it,' Guterres stated, a sentiment Shettima echoed in his remarks.
Shettima also highlighted the human cost of geopolitical neglect, warning that 'the mother searching for her child, the family driven from home, and the hungry child awaiting food must never become abstractions in the language of states.' His comments reflected a broader critique of how global institutions often fail to prioritize the lived experiences of marginalized communities.
The vice president extended praise to Amina Mohammed, whom he described as a 'source of pride to Nigeria' for her contributions to multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development. He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to 'restoring trust among nations and dignity to lives diminished by hunger, violence, and exclusion,' framing the issue as a moral imperative for future generations.
Nigeria's position aligns with a long-standing African push for Security Council reform, which has gained momentum in recent years. The continent, home to 54 nations, has long argued that its lack of permanent representation undermines the legitimacy of the Council, which was established in 1945 without accounting for post-colonial realities.
Shettima's remarks were made during a high-profile visit to the UNGA, where he was accompanied by governors, senior diplomats, and officials from the Nigerian delegation. Among them were Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq, Hyacinth Alia, Siminalayi Fubara, and Lawal Dauda, as well as Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim.
Ms. Mohammed expressed gratitude to Nigeria and President Bola Tinubu for their support of the UN, describing the country as a 'willing ally' in global efforts. 'I am truly honoured and grateful,' she said, adding that Tinubu's administration had 'embraced me wholeheartedly' as both a leader and a 'daughter of the soil.'
The exchange highlighted the growing diplomatic ties between Nigeria and the UN, particularly under Tinubu's administration. Shettima's advocacy for Security Council reform is part of a broader agenda to position Nigeria as a regional leader in promoting multilateralism and addressing global inequities.
Public-interest implications of Africa's exclusion from the Security Council extend beyond symbolic representation. Critics argue that the current structure perpetuates power imbalances, limiting the ability of African nations to influence decisions on issues ranging from peacekeeping to climate policy. Shettima's call for reform resonates with a growing movement to democratize global governance.
The vice president's comments also underscored the need for international institutions to address the root causes of conflict and displacement. He emphasized that 'civilisation endures only when the suffering of a stranger becomes a claim on our conscience,' a statement that linked Security Council reform to broader humanitarian goals.
Nigeria's stance on Security Council reform is not isolated. Other African leaders, including South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa, have similarly called for the inclusion of African states in the Council. The issue remains a focal point of discussions at the African Union and other regional forums.
Shettima's remarks at the UNGA come amid renewed global debates over the relevance of the Security Council in an era of shifting power dynamics. With emerging economies and non-state actors gaining influence, the need for a more inclusive Council has become increasingly urgent.
The vice president's advocacy reflects Nigeria's strategic vision to leverage its regional influence for global impact. By championing Security Council reform, Nigeria positions itself as a key player in shaping the future of international relations and multilateral cooperation.
Shettima's closing statement emphasized the moral and practical necessity of reform: 'We owe our children a world in which conscience has authority and the law has meaning.' His words encapsulated the urgency of addressing systemic inequities in global governance.
The debate over Security Council reform is likely to remain a central theme in international diplomacy. As Shettima and other leaders continue to push for change, the question of how to balance historical structures with modern realities will shape the future of global governance.