Nigeria Advocates for Africa’s Permanent Seat on UN Security Council, Minister Tuggar Says

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has made a compelling case for Africa’s permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), asserting Nigeria’s suitability to lead the continent’s voice within the global body.

In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant on Media and Communication Strategy to the Minister, Tuggar outlined his position during the ongoing World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland. Speaking at a panel discussion themed “Africa’s Momentum,” which runs from January 20 to 24, 2025, Tuggar criticised Africa’s exclusion from the Security Council, despite the continent being directly affected by many of the Council’s resolutions.

Tuggar pointed out that nearly 60% of UNSC resolutions address issues pertaining to Africa, yet the continent remains without a permanent seat at the table. He highlighted how certain decisions, like the deforestation law that bans the purchase of goods from deforested land in Africa, have had detrimental effects on the continent. He also drew attention to the lack of accountability for companies that contribute to deforestation in Africa, calling for more stringent measures to safeguard the region’s environment.

The panel, which was moderated by Bronwen Maddox, Director of Chatham House, included key figures such as Mohammed Nafti, Foreign Minister of Tunisia; Therese Wagner, Foreign Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo; and Matia Kasaija, Uganda’s Minister of Finance. They discussed Africa’s role in global governance, and Tuggar further underscored the importance of the 2025 G20 summit in South Africa, noting that it presents a vital opportunity to advocate for Nigeria’s inclusion.

Tuggar also stressed Nigeria’s strategic autonomy and nonalignment principles in its foreign relations, pointing out that Nigeria’s unwavering support for South Africa during its liberation struggle cements the two nations’ strong ties. “Nigeria’s contribution to African development, through initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which has deployed professionals across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific, speaks volumes about our commitment to the continent,” he said.

Highlighting Nigeria’s non-threatening nature, Tuggar pointed out the country’s solid diplomatic relations with its neighbours, which further solidifies its global position. He also emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role within the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, making a strong case for the country’s representation on the global stage.

Tuggar’s speech also included a call for developed nations to return to the commitments made during the Rio Summit, especially regarding the transfer of technology to developing nations. He stressed that Africa should not be viewed as a homogenous bloc, but as a diverse and powerful region of 54 nations, each with its unique contributions and challenges.

Concluding his remarks, Tuggar stated that Nigeria, with its substantial population and economic strength, is ideally positioned to represent Africa at the United Nations Security Council and other international forums. “Nigeria’s track record of supporting both African and global causes makes it a natural candidate for this critical role,” he affirmed.