Nigeria Demands UN Security Council Seat at UNGA79

• Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, called for a permanent UN Security Council seat, citing Nigeria’s contributions to global peacekeeping efforts
• Badaru emphasized the need for UN reform to enhance Africa’s representation and address issues like terrorism and transnational crime effectively

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has called for Nigeria to be granted a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing the country’s contributions to global peacekeeping. Speaking at the Summit of the Future during the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s participation in 41 peacekeeping missions and the deployment of over 200,000 troops.

In his “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security” address, Badaru emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding dedication to maintaining global peace. He stated, “Since our first deployment in the Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions globally,” and noted that Nigeria’s consistent involvement proves its readiness for a larger role on the global stage.

Badaru reiterated Nigeria’s stance on reforming the UN Security Council, pushing for permanent representation for Africa to enhance global peace and stability. He argued that such a move would promote inclusivity and better reflect the continent’s contributions to international security efforts.

He also underscored Nigeria’s involvement in regional peacekeeping missions, listing countries like Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, and Sierra Leone. He pointed out Nigeria’s significant contributions in finances, logistics, and expertise, making the nation one of Africa’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping efforts.

Badaru stressed the need to strengthen African military forces to fight terrorism and called for the operationalization of the African Standby Force. He also urged for comprehensive strategies to address transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.

In addition, he called on the United Nations to take more decisive action to reduce tensions and seek peaceful resolutions to global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Nigeria’s appeal for a UN Security Council seat underscores its continued push for more recognition of Africa’s role in maintaining international peace and security.