Tinubu Urges UN Reform, Nigeria’s Permanent Seat, and Fair Mineral Benefit at UNGA 80

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria’s national statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on behalf of President Bola Tinubu called for sweeping reforms in global governance, a permanent Security Council seat for Nigeria, and just benefits for mineral-rich countries.

Unity, Reform & Relevance of the UN

Shettima, speaking under the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” reminded the assembly that global challenges demand collective action. He argued that the UN must evolve to reflect today’s realities not the post-World War II world in which it was born.

He warned that multilateralism is under strain: important decisions are increasingly being made outside UN venues, and the most influential voices may no longer come from heads of state. To restore its credibility, the UN must become more efficient, coherent, and representative.

Nigeria’s Bid for a Permanent Security Council Seat

A central thrust of the address was Nigeria’s demand for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, as part of broader institutional reform. Shettima emphasized that Nigeria’s transformation from a colonial territory of 20 million to a sovereign nation of over 236 million justifies its inclusion. He framed the demand as one of fairness, representation, and restoring legitimacy to the UN system.

Fair Share from Strategic Minerals

Tinubu’s address also spotlighted how nations that host strategic minerals often derive little long-term benefit from them. Shettima urged that mineral resources should translate into investment, local processing, and job creation rather than just raw-export revenue. He called this both an economic and stability imperative for mining nations.

Sovereign Debt Reform & Digital Equality

Beyond structural reform, the speech debated sovereign debt relief and the need for a binding mechanism akin to an “International Court for money.” Emerging economies, he said, should escape the trap of exporting raw goods while gains accrue elsewhere.

On technology, Tinubu’s administration advocated closing the digital divide. The Vice President declared that “AI must stand for Africa Included,” pushing for access, literacy, and safeguards to ensure that new innovations benefit all countries.

Peace, Human Rights & Shared Responsibility

Throughout the speech, Nigeria underscored its commitment to peacekeeping, human rights, and strong democratic institutions across Africa and the world. Shettima affirmed Nigeria’s participation in over 50 UN peacekeeping missions, the country’s struggle against insurgency, and its support for a two-state solution in Palestine.

In closing, the Vice President reaffirmed that sovereignty entails shared responsibility that no nation can thrive while others remain insecure. He urged bold action, not rhetoric, to reforge the promise of multilateralism in an era of profound transformation.

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