UNGA80: Nigeria Steps Up Its Quest for a Permanent Membership on the UN Security Council

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tugal, announced that Nigeria will intensify its bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council during the ongoing 80th UN General Assembly and its surrounding events.

According to a statement issued by Stanley Nkwocha, Special Assistant to the President for Media and Press Relations, the announcement was made upon the arrival of Vice President Kassim Shettima in New York. Announcement (Office of the Vice President) Date: September 22, 2025.

The Vice President, representing President Bola GCFR Ahmed Tinubu, is expected to deliver Nigeria’s national declaration at global events, participate in the UN high-level general debate, and attend various side events.

New Momentum

Speaking about Nigeria’s goals at this year’s UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Amb. Tagle stated that Nigeria will support the UN Global Tax Compact, which is crucial to the ongoing reform of the global financial architecture. Yusuf He added that the Nigerian government will also seek permanent membership on the UN Security Council.

“This gives Nigeria a leadership position, which was clearly reflected in the Vice President’s briefing, which was attended by ministers and senior government officials. The purpose of this briefing was to ensure that we are all on the same page. So we must encourage this approach in our cooperation; we must also promote Nigeria’s aspiration to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, because Africa has a common position,” he added.

The Minister stressed that Africa is the only continent or grouping that has a unified position on UN Security Council reform.

He insisted that Africa should have at least two permanent seats in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
The Executive Governor of the state,
Malam Uba Sani, said he expected Nigeria’s participation in the 80th UN General Assembly to further reshape its position as an investment destination and one of Africa’s leading economies. Kaduna “Our focus areas include solid mineral resources, where Nigeria has performed very well. We are also looking at other economic sectors such as agriculture and skills-based education,” he said.

Nigeria is committed to promoting and implementing sustainable development in line with national objectives, according to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Omoniyi Odewole

. OlajumokeThe Minister noted that the government will use the Nigeria Investment Day to highlight priority sectors ranging from solid minerals to telecommunications and technology.
Background Story

Recall that last September, the United States expressed support for the creation of two permanent seats for African countries on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as part of ongoing efforts to reform the powerful global body.

The US proposal came in response to long-standing calls by developing countries, including African countries like Nigeria, for permanent seats on the UNSC, which currently consists of five permanent members – the United States, Russia, China, France and the United Kingdom – all of which have veto power.

The UNSC is the principal UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security.

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