Nigeria demands seat on UN Security Council at UNGA79

• Nigerian Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru called for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, citing Nigeria’s contributions to global peacekeeping missions
• Badaru stressed the need for UN reform to improve Africa’s representation and effectively address issues such as terrorism and transnational crime.

Nigeria’s Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, has called for Nigeria to be given 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 “Strengthening multilateralism for international peace and security” speech, Badaru emphasized Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to maintaining world peace. He stated, “Since our first deployment in Congo in 1960, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping missions worldwide,” noting that Nigeria’s consistent commitment proves that it is ready for a greater role on the world stage.

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

He also highlighted Nigeria’s involvement in regional peacekeeping missions, naming countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan and Sierra Leone. He pointed to Nigeria’s significant contributions in finance, logistics and expertise, making it one of Africa’s largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions.

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

He also called on the United Nations to take more decisive action to reduce tensions and seek peaceful solutions to global conflicts, particularly in the Middle East and Ukraine.

Nigeria’s call for a seat on the UN Security Council underscores the country’s continued push for greater recognition of Africa’s role in maintaining international peace and security.