Nigeria will renew its campaign for permanent representation on the UN Security Council as Vice-President Kashim Shettima leads the country’s engagements at UNGA81
The country will also push for wider UN reforms, stronger development outcomes for developing countries and increased international investment in Nigeria
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu and Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb Jimoh Ibrahim, made this known while briefing Shettima on the country’s priorities in New York.
The briefing reviewed Nigeria’s agenda, expectations and strategic engagements during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly
Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, disclosed this after the meeting
Nkwocha said Nigeria would build on positions advanced during previous UN engagements, particularly its advocacy for reforms capable of making multilateralism more responsive to developing countries
He said Shettima would communicate President Bola Tinubu’s positions across several high-level forums during the gathering
Among the priorities is Nigeria’s longstanding campaign for permanent African representation on the UN Security Council
“The Vice-President will, at all the forums, present President Tinubu’s message across different sectors, including Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council,” Nkwocha said
Nigeria has consistently argued that Africa’s continued absence from permanent membership of the Security Council represents a major imbalance in global governance
The 15-member council currently has five permanent members, namely, China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States, possessing veto powers
Africa, in spite of comprising 54 UN Member States and accounting for a substantial share of issues considered by the council, has no permanent seat
Nigeria has maintained that reform should reflect contemporary geopolitical realities and give Africa greater participation in decisions affecting international peace and security
Nkwocha said Nigeria would also engage strategically with governments, international organisations, businesses and development partners throughout UNGA high-level week
Jimoh said Nigeria’s participation would focus heavily on reforms capable of increasing the UN’s practical impact on member states
According to him, reform should ensure that multilateral institutions translate policies and resources into measurable improvements for countries and their citizens
Nigeria’s delegation is expected to use such engagements to promote sectors including solid minerals, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and technology
Shettima is representing Tinubu at the 81st General Assembly and is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate
Nigeria is scheduled to speak fourth during Thursday afternoon’s session
His address is expected to articulate Nigeria’s positions on peace and security, sustainable development, global financial reform, climate action and multilateral cooperation ()