Nigeria has called for urgent reform of the United Nations and stronger international cooperation, saying renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and international law is necessary to address the challenges confronting the global community.
The call was made in Nigeria’s national statement delivered at the General Debate of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered the statement on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the theme, **“Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”**
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and its principles, stressing that dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility remain essential to advancing international peace and security.
A major focus of the address was reform of the UN Security Council.
Nigeria reiterated Africa’s longstanding position under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, which calls for at least two permanent seats and five non-permanent seats for Africa on the Security Council.
The Federal Government said the reform was necessary to reflect current global realities and provide Africa with meaningful representation in decisions concerning international peace and security.
Nigeria also highlighted its contributions to international peacekeeping, citing its roles in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
The country reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security and democratic governance through platforms including the Economic Community of West African States, African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships.
On economic development, Nigeria linked its foreign policy objectives to ongoing domestic reforms, including macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, private-sector development and strategic public investment.
The government called for increased technology transfer, capacity building and climate financing to enable developing countries pursue economic growth while meeting their climate commitments.
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Nigeria reaffirmed its Energy Transition Plan and commitment to the Paris Agreement, including its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
The country also highlighted opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, pointing to investments in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, innovation, research and technology entrepreneurship.
Nigeria urged responsible deployment of artificial intelligence in sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.
On Africa’s economic transformation, the country called for reforms to the international financial architecture, greater access to concessional financing and sustainable debt frameworks.
It also identified the African Continental Free Trade Area as an important mechanism for expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains and supporting industrialisation.
On security, Nigeria called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial activities.
The country also urged greater diplomatic efforts to resolve conflicts in Sudan and other war-affected countries, stressing the need to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian assistance and uphold international humanitarian and human rights law.
Nigeria maintained that lasting peace requires dialogue, reconciliation, peacebuilding and conflict prevention alongside security operations.
The government further described Africa’s youthful population, natural resources, expanding markets and resilience as important assets that could contribute to future global growth.
Nigeria concluded by calling for a more inclusive and effective United Nations capable of addressing the aspirations of all member states and supporting a peaceful, just and sustainable future.
