On Wednesday, September 24, during the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a stern warning on the need for urgent and comprehensive reforms of the UN. He cautioned that without swift restructuring, the global body risks losing relevance as key international events increasingly unfold beyond its influence.
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, President Tinubu outlined four core demands, beginning with Nigeria’s bid for permanent membership on the UN Security Council. He stressed that the Council must evolve to reflect today’s geopolitical realities rather than the post-World War II order.
“Nigeria must have a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. This should take place as part of a wider process of institutional reform,” Tinubu stated. “The United Nations will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was.”
Highlighting Nigeria’s growth from a colony of 20 million to a sovereign nation of over 236 million—projected to be the world’s third most populous country—he underscored the country’s youthful and dynamic population as a vital voice in global affairs.
Expressing frustration with slow progress on nuclear disarmament, Security Council reform, and equitable access to trade and finance, Tinubu criticized the UN’s cautious diplomatic language that often masks inaction.
“When we speak of nuclear disarmament, proliferation of small arms, Security Council reform, fair access to trade and finance… we must recognize the truth. These are stains on our collective humanity.”
Noting ongoing suffering in conflict zones, he observed that frustration with the UN’s slow response has led some nations to disengage from multilateralism, with influential global voices increasingly emerging outside the General Assembly.
On international conflicts, Tinubu emphasized a firm stance on Palestine, advocating a two-state solution as the path to lasting peace.
“The people of Palestine are not collateral damage in a civilization searching for order. They are human beings, equal in worth, entitled to the same freedoms and dignities that the rest of us take for granted.”
Regarding global financial governance, he proposed an international judicial body to oversee sovereign debt crises—an “International Court of Justice for money”—to help developing countries break free from economic dependency and promote sustainable development.
He also highlighted Africa’s critical mineral wealth as essential to global stability, calling for investments in local processing and equitable partnerships to diversify supply chains, reduce tensions, and foster peace.
Echoing the UN Secretary-General’s call, Tinubu said,
“A.I. must stand for ‘Africa Included’,” urging greater access to technology and knowledge to close global wealth gaps.
Addressing terrorism, he emphasized the importance of winning the ideological battle over the long term.
“Military tactics may win battles measured in months and years, but in wars that span generations, it is values and ideas that deliver the ultimate victory.”
Closing his address, President Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace, development, unity, multilateralism, and human rights.
“None of us is safe until all of us are safe. We must make real change, change that works, and change that is seen to work. If we fail, the direction of travel is already predictable.”
