Jimoh Ibrahim: Africa's Exclusion from Security Council Unjust, Nigeria Pushing Reform Agenda

Nigeria is renewing its call for Africa to have permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council, asserting that the continent's exclusion is unjust given its significant global demographic presence. Ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly session, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and the UN-80 Reform Agenda.

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It is quite unjust, very unheard of to say that Africa, who has a population of 25 percent of the entire world, have no seats in the Security Council of the United Nations.

Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, Nigeria's Permanent Representative to the UN, emphasized that Africa, representing 25 percent of the world's population, currently has no permanent seats. He argued that this lack of representation exacerbates insecurity within Africa, stating that the global decision-making structure must reflect contemporary realities rather than the post-1945 order. Ibrahim believes that Africa's voice is crucial for addressing global security challenges.

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Now that we are in the contemporary 21st century, I think Africa must have seats in the UN.

Nigeria is actively pursuing a permanent seat on the Security Council as part of its broader strategy to re-establish its international influence. Ibrahim stated, "Nigeria is a giant of Africa… we want to return to that glory, and we must have the seats in the Security Council." He stressed that the UN-80 reform agenda would lack credibility without African representation, deeming such seats imperative for the UN's continued relevance.

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Nigeria is a giant of Africa… we want to return to that glory, and we must have the seats in the Security Council.

Discussions on Security Council reform are ongoing within UN frameworks. Ibrahim acknowledged that global security challenges, including conflicts in Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine, are influenced by international politics, interest, and power dynamics. He suggested that stability hinges on the balance of power among major global players. Nigeria's push for reform is expected to be a prominent topic at the upcoming UN General Assembly.

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This seat is imperative to the continuation of the United Nations… and the UN80 reform agenda of the UN will never have a place if Africa has no seat in the Security Council.