Africa deserves two UN Security Council seats, Tinubu tells global leaders

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has renewed Nigeria’s call for sweeping reforms at the United Nations, insisting that Africa deserves permanent representation on the UN Security Council.

Speaking on Wednesday at the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu said Africa should have two permanent seats with veto power and additional non-permanent seats in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration.

“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand,” Tinubu told world leaders at the plenary session on Peace and Stability. “Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the Permanent Category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the Right of Veto.”

The President urged Japan and other international partners to back Africa’s campaign for global governance reforms, describing the continent’s diversity and inclusivity as its greatest strength.

Tinubu also highlighted Nigeria’s ongoing investments in security, infrastructure, and institutional reforms, noting that the country’s armed forces had made significant gains against insurgency and criminality. However, he warned that lasting peace required governments to address the root causes of instability, not just defeat terrorists on the battlefield.

The session followed opening remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced a $5.5 billion support framework for Africa in partnership with the African Development Bank to drive private sector-led growth, youth and women’s empowerment, and regional integration.

Tinubu argued that Africa needs market-driven partnerships rather than aid handouts and called for greater collaboration on technology to promote peace and trust.

The Nigerian leader also cited recent peace agreements in Congo as proof that mediation linked to economic incentives can work, urging “fresh thinking” in global efforts to secure stability.