Nigeria Seeks Fairer Global Order, Pushes for Africa’s Permanent Seat at UN Security Council
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has called for urgent reforms of global governance institutions and stronger multilateral cooperation, insisting that Africa must be granted permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
The call was made by Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, during the 18th BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held on 15 May 2026 in New Delhi, India.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement on the theme “Reforms of Global Governance and Multilateral System,” Amb. Ahmed said the current international order no longer adequately reflects global realities, especially the interests and aspirations of developing nations.
He noted that Nigeria participated in the meeting as a BRICS Partner Country at a time when the world is facing multiple interconnected crises, including geopolitical tensions, economic instability, climate change, terrorism, food insecurity, and disruptions to global supply chains.
According to him, BRICS has emerged as a strong voice for the Global South and a platform promoting a more inclusive and multipolar international system based on mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
“Nigeria strongly supports efforts aimed at strengthening multilateralism, reforming global governance institutions and ensuring greater representation of developing countries in international decision-making processes,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary warned that growing geopolitical fragmentation and geoeconomic rivalry were weakening trust among nations and undermining global cooperation.
He stressed that Africa’s exclusion from permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council is no longer acceptable.
“Africa, with its 1.4 billion people, cannot continue to be excluded from permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Such exclusion is neither justifiable nor sustainable. Nigeria stands prepared to assume this responsibility,” he declared.
Amb. Ahmed further said Nigeria was ready to represent Africa’s interests with “integrity, balance, and strength” in global decision-making processes.
He highlighted reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as bold measures aimed at strengthening democracy, diversifying the economy, improving security, and empowering citizens.
According to him, Nigeria’s domestic reforms are aligned with broader global efforts to build a fair, inclusive, and responsive international order.
The Permanent Secretary also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collective solutions through active engagements with the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, and BRICS.
He noted that Nigeria shares BRICS’ vision of a multipolar world order and supports the reform of international financial institutions to give emerging economies stronger representation and fairer access to development financing.
Amb. Ahmed also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional integration and South-South cooperation, citing the country’s leadership role in the African Continental Free Trade Area as evidence of its determination to strengthen economic cooperation across the Global South.
He concluded by calling on nations to work together in building a global governance system that is just, equitable, resilient, and reflective of contemporary realities.
“Nigeria’s voice is resolute. Reform is essential, inclusivity cannot be compromised, and the choices we make today will shape our collective future,” he said.
