Nigeria is set to renew its campaign for permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s delegation at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, UNGA81.
The country is also expected to advocate for broader reforms of the UN system, stronger development outcomes for developing nations and increased international investment in Nigeria.
The priorities were disclosed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, during a briefing with Shettima in New York.
The meeting reviewed Nigeria’s agenda, expectations and planned engagements throughout the General Assembly.
According to Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications in the Office of the Vice-President, Nigeria will build on positions it has presented during previous UN engagements.
He said the country would continue to advocate reforms aimed at making the multilateral system more responsive to the interests and development needs of developing countries.
Nkwocha added that Shettima would convey President Bola Tinubu’s positions at various high-level meetings during the General Assembly.
A major focus will be Nigeria’s longstanding campaign for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council.
Nkwocha said the Vice-President would present Tinubu’s message across several sectors, including Nigeria’s call for a permanent seat for Africa on the Security Council.
Nigeria has repeatedly argued that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership of the council creates an imbalance in global decision-making.
The 15-member Security Council currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States — all of which have veto powers.
Despite having 54 UN member states and being involved in many issues considered by the council, Africa does not have a permanent seat.
Nigeria maintains that any reform of the Security Council should reflect current geopolitical realities and provide Africa with greater representation in decisions concerning international peace and security.
Beyond the Security Council campaign, Nkwocha said Nigeria would hold strategic discussions with governments, international organisations, businesses and development partners during the high-level week.
Ambassador Jimoh said Nigeria’s participation would also focus on reforms that could improve the practical impact of the United Nations on member states.
He said multilateral institutions should be able to translate policies and available resources into measurable improvements in the lives of citizens.
Nigeria is also expected to use its engagements at UNGA81 to promote investment opportunities in sectors including solid minerals, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology.
Vice-President Shettima is representing President Tinubu at the General Assembly and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate.
Nigeria is scheduled to be the fourth speaker during Thursday afternoon’s session.
His address is expected to cover Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, sustainable development, global financial reforms, climate action and multilateral cooperation.
Source: Vanguard
