Nigeria demands UN Security Council seat
Nigeria has presented a case for proper representation on the UN Security Council.
It claimed that having participated to at least 41 peacekeeping missions throughout the world and deployed over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations, it deserves a place on the global security council.
“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to provide just representation for Africa permanently, promoting inclusivity and enhancing global peace and security,” said the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, during his address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, on Sunday.
Badaru spoke at the Summit of the Future interactive discussion 2, titled ‘Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security.’
The Security Council is one of the six primary organs of the United Nations. Its 15 permanent members are responsible for maintaining international peace and security, recommending new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving modifications to the UN Charter.
The UNSC also forms peacekeeping operations, imposes international sanctions, and authorises military action.
At the Summit, Nigeria’s Defence Minister said, “Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.
“To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions.
“Under regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, and Sierra Leone, among others, and has made significant contributions in terms of finance, logistics, troops, and civilian experts, making it one of the most significant contributors of troops and police from Africa to the United Nations missions.”
He argued that this qualifies Nigeria and Africa for just representation “permanently, promoting inclusivity and enhancing global peace and security.”
Badaru stressed the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism on the continent and urged the operationalisation of the African Standby Force.
He also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to tackle transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.
“We recognise the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies to among other things, defeat terrorism.
“Nigeria calls for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force and the provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the establishment and effectiveness of a centre of excellence in Africa on counter-terrorism issues.
