Nigeria used the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 81) in New York to push three major priorities: greater African representation in global decision-making, stronger investment in education and closer international cooperation against terrorism and organised crime.
Vice President Kashim Shettima delivered President Bola Tinubu’s national statement on September 24, 2026, renewing Nigeria’s call for two permanent African seats on the UN Security Council. Nigeria also backed five additional non-permanent seats for Africa, with veto rights attached to the permanent seats for as long as the veto remains part of the Council’s structure.
The message was not only about securing a seat. Nigeria argued that the structure of the Security Council still reflects the balance of power that existed in 1945 rather than today’s geopolitical reality.
Why Nigeria Wants Two Permanent UN Security Council Seats
Nigeria’s UN Security Council reform demand follows the wider African position under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.
Africa currently has no permanent seat on the Security Council, despite many of the continent’s conflicts and security issues regularly appearing on the Council’s agenda. Nigeria says this creates a gap between the decisions being made and the regions most affected by them.
The push therefore goes beyond Nigeria’s own ambition. Abuja is presenting the demand as part of a broader campaign for permanent African representation at the United Nations.
Nigeria and Italy Back $5 Billion Global Education Campaign
Education was the other major part of Nigeria’s UNGA 81 engagement. Nigeria and Italy strengthened their partnership around a proposed $5 billion Global Partnership for Education (GPE) financing campaign. The target is global, rather than a $5 billion allocation to Nigeria alone. The campaign aims to mobilise funding for education worldwide, with the wider programme expected to support about 370 million children.
For Nigeria, the potential impact is still significant. The country’s participation is linked to an education programme expected to reach approximately 29 million children and 500,000 teachers. Italy also pledged €50 million to GPE programmes and interventions, adding financial support to the campaign.
Nigeria Wants Security Cooperation to Cross Borders Too
Nigeria also used UNGA 81 to call for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit finance.
Tinubu said countries need to exchange intelligence, disrupt the financing of violence and prevent illegal weapons from crossing borders. The argument is based on the reality that security threats in the Sahel and West Africa do not stop at national borders.
Nigeria’s message at the 81st UNGA therefore connects diplomacy with development and security. The country is asking for a stronger voice in global institutions while seeking international support for education and cooperation against threats that affect both Nigeria and its neighbours.
