UN reform: Tinubu demands permanent African seats with veto powers

President Bola Tinubu has called for at least two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, with veto powers, as part of reforms to make the global body reflect current geopolitical realities.

Tinubu made the demand on Thursday in his address to the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima. According to PUNCH, the President also requested five non-permanent seats for Africa on the council.

He argued that Africa should no longer remain without permanent representation despite its contributions to international peace and security. Tinubu cited Nigeria’s peacekeeping and mediation roles in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.

The President also called for reforms to the international financial system, greater access to concessional financing and climate finance for developing countries.

On artificial intelligence, Tinubu urged responsible deployment of the technology, saying it could support healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.

The UN Security Council currently has five permanent members—China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States—all with veto powers. The African Union has long sought two permanent seats with full privileges, including veto rights if the veto is retained.