President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on G20 leaders to back reforms of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), advocating for a more inclusive and representative body that reflects the current global landscape.
Speaking at the 19th G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s readiness to serve as a permanent representative of Africa on the UNSC.
Tinubu argued that the reform of the Security Council is essential to ensure its continued relevance in addressing global issues.
He urged G20 leaders to support efforts to restructure the UNSC, ensuring fair representation for all regions, with a particular emphasis on Africa.
“The Security Council must expand its membership categories—both permanent and non-permanent—to better reflect the world’s diversity. Africa deserves priority in this process, with two permanent seats, each endowed with equal rights and responsibilities.”
The Nigerian president’s remarks were delivered by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who noted that the G20 has shown itself to be a progressive institution committed to multilateral reforms.
Tinubu also acknowledged the G20’s recent decision to grant permanent membership to the African Union, calling it a significant step toward enhancing Africa’s voice in global affairs.
In his speech, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s strong desire to represent Africa on the UNSC.
He emphasized that the country stands ready to take on this important role, reinforcing Africa’s position in global decision-making processes.
Tinubu also expressed his support for the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, an initiative led by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
He praised the alliance’s efforts to tackle hunger and poverty worldwide, comparing it to one of the priority goals set by his administration at its inception.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria’s endorsement of the alliance aligns with the country’s own objectives to combat poverty and food insecurity by leveraging international collaboration.
Furthermore, Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s commitment to achieving the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 1, which focuses on ending poverty, and SDG 2, aimed at achieving zero hunger.
By supporting the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty, he said, Nigeria is reinforcing its commitment to international cooperation and adopting global best practices in the fight against these challenges.
