At the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, the federal government has strongly called for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The call was delivered by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, during a panel discussion titled “Africa’s Momentum.” Tuggar emphasised that the Sub-Saharan region remains the only continent without permanent representation in the UNSC, even though about 60 percent of the resolutions passed by the council address their issues. In his address, Tuggar argued that the region’s exclusion is unjust and undermines the continent’s importance in global governance.
In his remarks, Tuggar strongly criticised existing global policies, particularly the UN Council’s Deforestation Law, which penalises Sub-Saharan region countries for Environmental Degradation while ignoring the role of global corporations contributing to deforestation. According to him, this selective accountability places an undue burden on nations in the Sub-Saharan region. He further emphasised the country’s non-aligned foreign policy and the administration’s emphasis on strategic autonomy under the current administration. This policy promotes fairness and ensures that the continent has a more significant role in global decision-making.
Nig. role in promoting Sub-Saharan region’s interests on the global stage.
The minister also spoke about the country’s historical contributions to Sub-Saharan region liberation movements, notably its support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle, reinforcing the region’s leadership. He further pointed to their unique position as the only country in the continent with a permanent seat on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, underscoring the nation’s influence in shaping continental security policies. As he stated, this influence makes Nigeria well-suited to represent the region within the UNSC. He added that the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa could serve as a platform for the nation to push for a more equitable global system that reflects the continent’s aspirations and interests.
Tuggar’s call for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20 was also a part of his advocacy. He explained that Nigeria’s economic size, with a population expected to exceed 400 million by 2050, positions the country as a key player in global economic and political affairs. He argued that this data and economic potential make Nigeria a suitable candidate for G20 membership and an essential voice in discussions concerning the Sub-Saharan region’s development and future on the world stage. He suggested that Nigeria’s inclusion would help amplify Africa’s voice in global governance, particularly in forums where decisions that affect the continent are made.
United Nations Security Council’s role, powers, and structure.
Knowing the importance of the UNSC, the United Nations Security Council is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, a mandate it pursues through various means, including peacekeeping operations, sanctions, and military action when necessary. The Council has 15 members, with five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States—who hold veto power over decisions. The remaining 10 members are elected on a rotational basis for two-year terms. These non-permanent members represent a broader cross-section of the international community but do not have the same decision-making powers as the permanent members.
Furthermore, the permanent members of the UNSC wield significant influence due to their veto rights, which allow them to block any resolution, regardless of how many members vote in favour. This gives them a dominant role in shaping the direction of the council’s decisions, including establishing peacekeeping missions, imposition sanctions, and authorising military actions. The power dynamics within the group have led to calls for reform, particularly regarding the inclusion of more diverse voices, such as those from Africa. Advocates argue that the continent’s growing significance in global affairs necessitates its inclusion as a permanent council member to ensure fair representation.
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Meanwhile, If Nigeria were to gain permanent membership in the group, it would benefit the country in terms of global influence and regional leadership. As one of the continent’s most prominent powers, the country’s inclusion would amplify its voice in international peacekeeping efforts, global security discussions, and formulating international policies that affect the continent. Nigeria’s strategic geopolitical position and its leadership role in the African Union would allow it to advocate for the continent’s interests more effectively.