President Bola Tinubu has renewed calls for Africa to be given stronger representation at the United Nations, insisting that the continent deserves permanent seats on the Security Council.
Speaking on Wednesday during a plenary session on peace and stability at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu argued that Africa should no longer be left out of key decision-making platforms.
“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand,” he said.
He stressed that “Africa deserves two seats in the permanent category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the right of veto. Africa also deserves additional seats in the non-permanent seat category of the security council.”
Tinubu anchored his position on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, which reflect Africa’s long-standing stance on UN reform.
Beyond diplomacy, the President used the platform to highlight Nigeria’s recent progress in tackling insecurity. He praised the armed forces for their resilience, describing their performance as a “springboard for national development and stability.”
However, he cautioned that military gains alone are not enough to guarantee peace. According to him, lasting stability requires tackling poverty, inequality, and social exclusion. He also urged fresh approaches to peacebuilding in Africa, citing peace efforts in the Congo as proof that mediation coupled with economic investment can deliver real progress.
