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Nigeria Tells UN Africa Needs at Least Two Permanent Security Council Seats

Courtroom-sketch editorial illustration of Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima, in a dark kaftan and embroidered cap, shaking hands with U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell as an aide stands before a framed picture on a red-carpeted floor; archival context from their April 2024 meeting in Abuja, not a depiction of his September 2026 UN General Assembly address, rendered in warm ochre and slate-blue pastel strokes.

Nigeria's Vice President Kashim Shettima told the 81st UN General Assembly on September 24 that Africa cannot keep filling the Security Council's agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership, and said Nigeria demands at least two permanent and five non-permanent Council seats for Africa. “The authority to speak for humanity carries an obligation to represent it,” he said. He called for international financial reform, greater access to concessional financing and improved debt sustainability frameworks, and reaffirmed Nigeria's goal of net-zero emissions by 2060. Citing the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, he said military victories must be accompanied by education, economic opportunity and accountable governance.

Sources

United NationsSource Language: EnglishForeign governmentOpens in a new tab.

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