Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima has criticized the United Nations Security Council's exclusion of Africa, asserting that it undermines the fairness and legitimacy of global governance. Speaking during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to UN reform, emphasizing the need for a system that reflects contemporary geopolitical realities.
Shettima highlighted the disparity between Africa's responsibilities and its lack of representation, stating, "A continent cannot be summoned to bear the burdens of the international order and then denied an equal hand in directing it." He praised UN Secretary-General António Guterres for advocating a more representative Security Council, noting Guterres' assertion that a 21st-century Council without African permanent members is "unjust and indefensible."
The Vice President reiterated Nigeria's demand for at least two permanent Security Council seats for Africa, complete with veto powers, alongside five non-permanent positions. He argued that the current structure, rooted in post-World War II power dynamics, fails to address modern challenges, stating, "The world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945."
Shettima emphasized the human cost of global governance gaps, urging diplomats to prioritize the "mother searching for her child" and the "hungry child awaiting food" over abstract state interests. He called for international institutions to better reflect demographic and geopolitical shifts, ensuring all regions have a "meaningful voice" in decision-making.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General expressed gratitude for Nigeria's support, acknowledging President Bola Tinubu's backing of her role and the institution. "I am truly honoured and grateful," she said, citing Tinubu's "incredible support" for the UN. Shettima's remarks were made alongside Nigerian officials, including governors and the Foreign Minister, underscoring the nation's unified stance.
Shettima also commended Guterres for upholding international law amid rising conflicts, stating, "Sovereignty carries duties, and the worth of a human life cannot vary with the flag above it." He stressed that the credibility of global institutions hinges on their ability to address human suffering fairly and equitably.
The Vice President concluded by framing the issue as a moral imperative, stating, "Civilisation endures only when the suffering of a stranger becomes a claim on our conscience." His remarks align with Nigeria's broader push for a reformed UN, reflecting the continent's growing demand for equitable representation on the world stage.