Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned Africa’s exclusion from the United Nations Security Council, stating it erodes the legitimacy of global governance systems. During a meeting with United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on the sidelines of the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing UN reform. The vice president highlighted that Africa’s lack of permanent representation contradicts the principles of equity and fairness in international decision-making.
Shettima, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the assembly, criticized the persistence of 1945-era Security Council structures, calling them incompatible with modern geopolitical realities. He praised UN Secretary-General António Guterres for advocating a more representative council, noting Guterres’ assertion that a 21st-century Security Council without African permanent members is ‘unjust and indefensible.’ ‘A continent cannot be summoned to bear the burdens of the international order and then denied an equal hand in directing it,’ Shettima said, underscoring the need for inclusive global institutions.
The vice president reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for reforms to make international bodies more responsive and credible. He emphasized that global decisions must reflect contemporary demographic and political shifts, particularly as Africa’s population and economic influence grow. Shettima also commended Guterres for upholding international law amid rising conflicts and geopolitical tensions, citing the UN chief’s insistence that sovereignty entails responsibilities and that human dignity transcends national borders.
During his address to the General Assembly, Shettima called for Nigeria’s permanent Security Council seat, framing it as a step toward equitable representation. He warned that diplomacy must not lose sight of the human toll of war and instability, referencing displaced families, hungry children, and grieving mothers as ‘not abstractions’ but urgent priorities. ‘Civilisation endures only when the suffering of a stranger becomes a claim on our conscience,’ he stated.
Amina Mohammed, in her remarks, expressed gratitude to Nigeria and President Tinubu for their support of the UN. She acknowledged the administration’s backing of her role as deputy secretary-general, calling it a ‘deep honour’ to host the Nigerian delegation. Shettima’s visit included high-profile figures such as governors, the foreign affairs minister, and Nigeria’s UN envoy, underscoring the government’s unified stance on global governance reform.
The vice president’s remarks come amid broader discussions on UN restructuring, with Nigeria positioning itself as a vocal advocate for African representation. His comments align with regional calls for a more inclusive Security Council, reflecting the continent’s growing influence and the need for its voice in shaping global policies. Shettima’s emphasis on human-centric diplomacy also highlights Nigeria’s focus on addressing crises like hunger and violence through multilateral cooperation.
As the 81st General Assembly concludes, the debate over Security Council reform remains a focal point. Shettima’s advocacy underscores the tension between historical structures and modern demands for equity, with Africa’s participation seen as critical to restoring trust in global institutions. His message resonates with broader efforts to ensure that international systems reflect the realities of the 21st century, where Africa’s role is both indispensable and underrepresented.
The vice president’s visit also coincided with other Nigerian developments, including President Tinubu’s return to the country and political updates in Yobe State. However, the emphasis on UN reform highlights Nigeria’s strategic engagement with global governance, positioning the nation as a key player in redefining international order.
Shettima’s statements reinforce Nigeria’s role as a leader in African diplomacy, advocating for systemic changes that address historical imbalances. His call for a Security Council that reflects contemporary realities signals a broader shift toward inclusivity, with implications for how global challenges—ranging from conflict to climate change—are addressed through multilateral frameworks.
The public-interest implications of Shettima’s remarks are significant, as they challenge the status quo of global governance and advocate for a system where all regions have a stake in decision-making. By framing Africa’s exclusion as a threat to legitimacy, the vice president aligns with international calls for reform, emphasizing that equitable representation is not just a moral imperative but a practical necessity for effective global governance.
The closing message from Shettima underscores the urgency of reform, linking the credibility of international institutions to their ability to address human suffering and ensure all voices are heard. His vision for a fairer global order reflects Nigeria’s evolving role on the world stage, where advocacy for equity is increasingly intertwined with national and continental interests.