At the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, made a compelling case for reforming the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). He advocated for expanding the Council's permanent and non-permanent membership to include African nations like Nigeria. This, he emphasized, would reflect the diversity of the modern world and ensure that Africa, a continent of growing importance, is fairly represented at the highest level of global decision-making.
Tinubu noted that some permanent members of the Security Council have shown tentative support for reforms, but stressed that it was time to accelerate progress. Africa must be accorded the respect that it deserves in the Security Council,he stated, insisting that the continent should be given the same rights and responsibilities as other permanent members.
The Nigerian President's speech also touched on broader global challenges, urging world leaders to strengthen multilateralism and avoid the dangerous rise of nationalism and unilateralism. Tinubu pointed out that the relentless pursuit of individual national interests undermines the collective goals of peace, sustainable development, and human rights.
He warned that key pillars of the United Nations peace, development, and human rights are threatened, as global cooperation has been increasingly overshadowed by self-serving national priorities. Commitment to multilateralism offers us the surest guarantee of global action to address the existential challenges we face,he said, listing terrorism, poverty, inequality, racial discrimination, food crises, and climate change among the persistent global threats.
A key focus of Tinubu's address was the wave of military coups in Africa, which he linked to economic underdevelopment. He argued that these coups highlight the fragility of democracy when not backed by economic growth, peace, and security. The Nigerian leader urged the global community to pay close attention to these developments, warning that the impatience of citizens due to slow democratic processes could destabilize the region further.
He highlighted the need for stronger democratic institutions, supported by job creation, healthcare, and education, to help alleviate citizens' frustrations and build lasting peace. Our people need employment, decent livelihoods, good and affordable education, and healthcare for their children and families,Tinubu emphasized, underscoring that these are the building blocks of stability and prosperity.
Tinubu's speech also called for reforms in the global financial system to better serve developing nations, particularly those in the Global South. He stressed the importance of comprehensive debt relief, noting that many countries in the Global South are burdened by crushing debt, which impedes their economic progress.
Special concessions and a review of the debt burden are crucial,Tinubu stated, adding that reforms in the multilateral trading system were also necessary to ensure fairer outcomes for developing nations. He further urged stronger international cooperation to recover illicit financial flows and assets stolen from these countries, stressing that the return of such resources could significantly aid their development efforts.
On the issue of climate change, Tinubu highlighted its devastating impact on countries like Nigeria, pointing to recent floods that submerged large parts of the country, including the major city of Maiduguri. He called for urgent action on climate commitments made in previous summits, warning that failure to act now would lead to dire consequences for all nations.
No country is immune from the effects of climate change, he cautioned, calling for collective action to combat what he described as a key driver of insecurity, particularly in vulnerable regions.
Tinubu also addressed the persistent global threat of terrorism, pointing out that insurgency and violent extremism remain existential challenges not only for Nigeria but for global peace and security. He referenced Nigeria's efforts to counter terrorism, including the Abuja Declaration from the High-Level African Counter Terrorism Meeting held in April 2024.
He urged the global community to recognize the urgency of collective action to address these interconnected crises terrorism, climate change, economic inequality, and political instability. Tinubu warned that failure to address these challenges would only lead to more instability and suffering worldwide.
In conclusion, President Tinubu’s address at UNGA79 was a powerful call for global cooperation and reform. He made it clear that Africa must have a seat at the table in the UNSC, emphasizing that inclusive representation is essential for global peace and security. Additionally, his focus on economic inequality, climate action, and security underlines Nigeria’s commitment to addressing some of the world’s most pressing issues through collective action and multilateral cooperation.