Nigeria used the 81st United Nations General Assembly to advance its positions on global governance, African representation, peace, development finance and climate action. Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered Nigeria’s national statement during the General Debate on September 24, 2026.
1. Reimagining Africa’s Place at the Global Table
Nigeria renewed its call for reform of the UN Security Council, seeking at least two permanent seats for Africa with full rights and responsibilities, including veto rights for as long as the veto exists, alongside five non-permanent seats. The position is anchored in the African Union’s Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
2. Restoring the Power of Diplomacy
Nigeria called for a return to the UN’s founding principles of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility, stressing diplomacy over coercion, cooperation over isolation and international law over arbitrary power.
3. Advancing a More Peaceful World
Nigeria called for urgent diplomatic action to address conflicts, particularly the war in Sudan and other crises affecting global stability. It advocated negotiated settlements that respect sovereignty and territorial integrity.
4. Putting Human Lives at the Centre
Nigeria urged parties to conflicts to uphold international humanitarian and human rights law, protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access, emphasizing the need to safeguard vulnerable populations during periods of conflict.
5. Rethinking the Architecture of Global Finance
Nigeria called for reforms to the international financial architecture, wider access to concessional financing and debt sustainability frameworks that recognise the development needs of emerging economies. It also supported innovative financing through private capital, blended finance and strategic partnerships.
6. Building Peace Beyond the Battlefield
Nigeria called for stronger UN peacekeeping alongside greater emphasis on peacebuilding, mediation, institution-building and sustainable development. The position reflects its argument that lasting stability requires more than military responses.
7. Making Climate Finance More Equitable
Nigeria advocated climate finance based on equity and shared responsibility, calling for international commitments to translate into accessible, predictable and adequately funded mechanisms that allow developing countries to pursue climate action without compromising development objectives.
Together, these priorities reflect Nigeria’s broader push for a more representative global system, stronger African participation in international decision-making and greater support for developing countries across security, finance and climate action.
