By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria has called for urgent reform of the United Nations, stronger international cooperation and renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and international law as world leaders gather for the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The call was made in Nigeria’s national statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima on Thursday, September 24, 2026, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, during the General Debate of the 81st UNGA, themed: “Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations That Delivers for All.”
Nigeria urged the international community to restore confidence in multilateral institutions and reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and its principles, stressing dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility as essential to advancing global peace and security.
A major focus of the statement was reform of the UN Security Council. Nigeria reiterated Africa’s position, as contained in the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration, seeking at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats for Africa on the Council.
The country said such reforms were 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. It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security and democratic governance through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union and Gulf of Guinea partnerships.
On the economy, Nigeria linked its foreign policy priorities to ongoing domestic reforms, including macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, private-sector development and strategic public investment.
The country called for increased technology transfer, capacity building and climate financing to enable developing nations pursue economic growth while meeting their climate commitments.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its commitment to the Energy Transition Plan and the Paris Agreement, including its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
On emerging technologies, the country highlighted its investments in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, innovation ecosystems, research institutions and technology entrepreneurship. It called for the responsible application of artificial intelligence to improve healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.
Nigeria further advocated reforms to the international financial architecture to expand access to concessional financing and sustainable debt frameworks for developing countries.
It supported innovative financing mechanisms involving private capital, blended finance, South-South cooperation and strategic partnerships, while identifying the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as critical to expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains and promoting industrialization across the continent.
On peace and security, Nigeria called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organized crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows.
It urged countries to improve intelligence sharing, strengthen institutional capacity, disrupt the financing of violence and prevent the proliferation of illicit weapons.
Drawing on its experience in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, Nigeria said lasting security must be supported by education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and protection of the rights and dignity of communities.
The country also called for urgent diplomatic action to resolve conflicts in Sudan and other war-affected countries, urging parties to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
Nigeria advocated greater emphasis on dialogue, reconciliation, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, maintaining that military victories alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.
The statement also highlighted Africa’s youthful population, natural resources, expanding markets, resilience and ingenuity as major assets capable of contributing to future global growth.
Nigeria called for developing countries to be recognized as essential partners in shaping global solutions and achieving shared prosperity.
In closing, Nigeria pledged to continue choosing cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, hope over fear and partnership over isolation.
It urged UN member states to honour their obligations to one another and address contemporary global challenges with justice, wisdom and compassion as part of efforts to restore trust in the multilateral system.
Nigeria stressed that a reformed, inclusive and effective United Nations remains essential to building a peaceful, just and sustainable world for future generations, describing humanity as the world’s oldest citizenship and peace as an inheritance owed to every child.
