Vice President Kashim Shettima says Africa’s continued exclusion from permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council undermines the fairness and legitimacy of the global governance system.
Shettima made the remarks during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s support for reforms of the United Nations, saying the country would remain a partner in efforts to strengthen international law, rebuild trust among nations and address challenges including hunger, violence and exclusion.
The vice president commended UN Secretary-General António Guterres for supporting a more representative Security Council, particularly his position that a 21st-century council without permanent African representation is unjust and indefensible.
“A continent cannot be summoned to bear the burdens of the international order and then denied an equal hand in directing it,” Shettima said.
Nigeria has repeatedly called for permanent African representation on the Security Council as part of broader reforms of the UN system. The African Group has also been advocating for permanent seats for the continent in the ongoing reform negotiations.
Shettima said international institutions should become more representative, responsive and credible, arguing that global decisions should better reflect current geopolitical and demographic realities.
He also praised Guterres for defending international law and human dignity amid conflicts and rising geopolitical tensions.
The vice president said diplomacy should remain focused on the human consequences of war and instability, including families displaced from their homes and people affected by hunger.
“Nigeria will remain a willing ally in the work of restoring trust among nations and dignity to lives diminished by hunger, violence and exclusion,” Shettima said.
He also commended Mohammed for her contributions to multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development, describing her service at the United Nations as a source of pride to Nigeria.
Mohammed thanked Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Tinubu for supporting the United Nations and her work as deputy secretary-general.
She said she was honoured by the visit and expressed gratitude to Tinubu and Shettima for embracing her “not just as the DSG but as a daughter of the soil.”
The meeting comes as the 81st session of the UN General Assembly continues in New York, with reform of the Security Council remaining part of ongoing intergovernmental negotiations. The current session opened on Sept. 8, 2026.
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