NEW YORK — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called for a fundamental restructuring of the United Nations Security Council, demanding at least two permanent seats for Africa with full rights, including veto power, as part of a broader reform of the global governance system.

Tinubu also backed five non-permanent seats for Africa, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, arguing that the structure of the United Nations must reflect the geopolitical realities of the 21st century rather than the balance of power that existed at the end of World War II.

Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement on Tinubu’s behalf at the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday. The UN General Debate is being held from September 22 to 28 under the theme, “Restoring trust, managing transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all.”

The President said Nigeria remained committed to multilateralism and international law, arguing that diplomacy, cooperation and rules-based engagement should take precedence over coercion, isolation and the arbitrary exercise of power.

Nigeria seeks bigger role for Africa

Tinubu said the international system could no longer be governed by a power structure designed in 1945, when much of Africa and the developing world had little or no voice in global decision-making.

His call for permanent African representation on the Security Council places reform of the UN’s most powerful decision-making body at the centre of Nigeria’s diplomatic agenda.

Nigeria also signalled its readiness to assume greater responsibilities in international peace and security, citing its longstanding contributions to peacekeeping, mediation and security operations across Africa, including in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.

The President said Nigeria’s record demonstrated its capacity to contribute to global peace and security and strengthened its case for a greater role in international decision-making.

Economic reforms linked to foreign policy

Tinubu also connected Nigeria’s international engagement with its domestic economic transformation agenda.

He said sustainable growth would require sound macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, strategic investment and a larger role for the private sector.

The President called for reform of the international financial architecture, including wider access to concessional financing and debt frameworks that would give developing countries greater fiscal space to invest in infrastructure, education and healthcare.

For Nigeria and other emerging economies, he said, development financing must support productive investment rather than leave countries trapped between debt servicing obligations and the need to fund basic economic and social infrastructure.

Tinubu rejects development-versus-climate choice

On climate change, Nigeria rejected what it described as a false choice between economic development and climate action.

Tinubu argued that developing countries must retain sufficient policy space to industrialise, reduce poverty and expand energy access while pursuing lower-carbon development.

He called for predictable climate finance, technology transfer and capacity building, stressing that climate responsibility should be based on equity and shared responsibility rather than charity.

Nigeria reaffirmed its Energy Transition Plan and 2060 net-zero target, with the strategy incorporating renewable energy, clean cooking, natural gas as a transition fuel, climate-smart agriculture and nature-based solutions.

The position reflects Nigeria’s attempt to balance its need for greater energy access and industrial development with its international climate commitments.

Nigeria puts AfCFTA at centre of African growth

Tinubu also identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a major vehicle for transforming the continent’s economic structure.

He called for Africa to move beyond the export of raw materials towards value addition, manufacturing, innovation and knowledge-based production.

The President said deeper continental integration could enable African economies to build larger markets, strengthen industrial supply chains and capture more value from their natural resources.

For Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and most populous country, the expansion of intra-African trade remains closely linked to its efforts to increase manufacturing and diversify beyond commodities.

Nigeria calls for AI investment, digital infrastructure

Artificial intelligence also featured prominently in Nigeria’s message to the UN.

Tinubu urged governments not to allow fear of AI to determine the technology’s future, arguing that it should instead be deployed to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.

Nigeria invited international partners to work with its young population in technology and innovation, while highlighting investments in digital public infrastructure, broadband, research and technology entrepreneurship.

The President’s position places digital transformation alongside energy, manufacturing and trade as areas where Nigeria seeks international investment and partnerships.

Security requires more than military action

On international security, Nigeria called for stronger intelligence sharing, tighter controls on terrorist financing and measures to curb illicit arms flows.

Tinubu argued that military action alone cannot deliver lasting stability, saying security responses must be complemented by education, economic opportunity, accountable governance and social inclusion.

Nigeria also called for urgent diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts, including the war in Sudan.

The President said civilians must be protected, humanitarian access guaranteed and international humanitarian law respected.

Nigeria backs cooperation over confrontation

Tinubu concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s support for a multilateral system based on cooperation and international law.

He said Nigeria would continue to favour dialogue over division and partnership over isolation, while supporting efforts to build a more inclusive and effective United Nations.

The intervention comes as the UN seeks to address growing geopolitical tensions, conflicts, climate pressures, debt challenges and the rapid transformation associated with artificial intelligence.

For Nigeria, the message combines a demand for greater African representation in global governance with calls for reforms in international finance, climate cooperation, trade, technology and collective security.

Vice President Shettima is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the 81st UN General Assembly after Tinubu directed him to represent the President at the gathering. The Presidency confirmed that Shettima would deliver Nigeria’s national statement on the President’s behalf.