Nigeria’s Defence Minister, Mohammed Badaru, has called for comprehensive reforms of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa is granted a permanent seat. Speaking at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) during the “Summit of the Future” dialogue, Badaru highlighted the importance of a fairer global structure that includes Africa to enhance peace and security.
The Minister emphasised Nigeria’s longstanding role in international peacekeeping, noting the country’s contributions to 41 UN peacekeeping missions since 1960, deploying over 200,000 troops. Nigeria’s active participation in operations across Cote d’Ivoire, Liberia, Sudan, and other African nations further underscores its dedication to global stability.
Badaru stressed that giving Africa a permanent seat on the Security Council would lead to a more inclusive and effective global peacekeeping framework. He also advocated for building professional African armies to counter terrorism and urged for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force.
In addition, Badaru called for urgent measures to tackle transnational crime, arms trafficking, and the growing alliances between bandits and terrorists, particularly in the Sahel region. He highlighted the need for international cooperation in controlling the flow of small arms and light weapons, which continues to fuel insecurity in conflict zones.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the UN in its fight against terrorism and organised crime, Badaru urged the international community to act decisively to stem the tide of illicit arms that threaten regional stability.