The Nigerian government has renewed its demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing its extensive contributions to global peacekeeping efforts. The call was made by the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, during his address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly on Sunday night.
Speaking at the Summit of the Future dialogue themed “Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security,” Badaru highlighted Nigeria’s history of peacekeeping, noting that the country has participated in 41 UN peacekeeping missions and deployed over 200,000 troops since its first mission in the Congo in 1960.
“Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security,” Badaru said. “To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions.”
He emphasized the need for reforms in the UN Security Council, calling for permanent African representation to ensure more equitable global governance.
According to him, “It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to give just representation to Africa permanently for inclusivity and deepening of global peace and security.”
In addition to calling for Security Council reform, Badaru stressed the importance of strengthening African military capabilities to combat terrorism and organized crime. He urged the operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF) and called for increased support and resources for counter-terrorism initiatives on the continent.
“We recognize the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies, to, among other things, defeat terrorism,” Badaru stated.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional peacekeeping, citing the country’s involvement in missions across West Africa, including Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, and Sierra Leone.
Badaru also highlighted the need for comprehensive strategies to address transnational crime, illegal arms trafficking, and the rising alliances between bandits and terrorists, particularly in the Sahel region.
“We must scale up our efforts,” he said, citing the increase in kidnappings for ransom and acts of piracy.
He urged the international community to intensify efforts to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which he warned continue to fuel insecurity in conflict zones.
“We seize this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict, especially within the Sahel region,” Badaru emphasized.
The Defence Minister concluded by reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to supporting the UN in its fight against terrorism and efforts to promote global peace and stability.