Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima stood before the world at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and made a bold declaration: Nigeria is ready and deserving of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. On the surface, this may sound like diplomatic rhetoric, but in reality, it is one of the most significant foreign policy ambitions Nigeria has voiced in decades.
The Security Council is the pinnacle of global decision-making power. To gain a seat is to be recognized as a strategic power, capable of influencing peace, security, and global governance. For Nigeria, a country of over 220 million people — the largest in Africa by population and the largest economy on the continent — the question is no longer whether it should aspire to such a role, but whether the global order will allow it, and whether Nigeria itself is prepared to shoulder the weight of that responsibility.
Why Now? The Timing of Nigeria’s Push
The world is at a turning point. The traditional structures of power, built in the aftermath of World War II, are increasingly being questioned. The UN Security Council (UNSC), with its five permanent members (the U.S., U.K., France, Russia, and China), represents a world order that no longer reflects the realities of the 21st century.
Africa — with 54 nations, a combined GDP exceeding $3 trillion, and a young, dynamic population — remains absent from permanent membership. For years, African leaders have called for reform. But what makes Nigeria’s pitch timely is the global recognition that without Africa’s voice, global governance is incomplete.
Nigeria’s Vice President is not just making a demand; he is leveraging global discontent with the status quo. The world sees the need for inclusivity, and Nigeria, with its size, influence, and history of peacekeeping, is presenting itself as Africa’s natural candidate.
Nigeria’s Case for the Seat
Nigeria’s argument rests on four pillars:
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Demographics and Scale
With over 220 million people, Nigeria is not only Africa’s most populous country but also projected to be the third-most-populous country in the world by 2050. Global security and prosperity cannot be discussed without Nigeria’s demographic reality at the table. -
Economic Weight
Nigeria remains Africa’s largest economy, despite its struggles with inflation, unemployment, and fiscal imbalance. Its GDP, natural resources, and regional trade leadership make it an indispensable player in global markets. -
Peacekeeping Legacy
Nigeria has a long history of contributing to UN peacekeeping missions, from Liberia to Sierra Leone, cementing its image as a stabilizer in West Africa. Few African countries have invested as heavily in regional security as Nigeria. -
Continental Leadership
Through ECOWAS, the African Union, and other multilateral engagements, Nigeria has consistently played a leading role in Africa’s quest for stability and development.
In short, Nigeria is saying: we have the people, the economy, the track record, and the continental leadership experience — therefore, we deserve a permanent seat.
The Geopolitical Hurdles
While Nigeria’s case is strong, it faces significant hurdles.
First, the UNSC is not an open field. The permanent members guard their seats jealously, and any reform requires their approval. Nations like India, Brazil, and Japan have also staked strong claims. This makes the competition fierce.
Second, within Africa, there is no absolute consensus. South Africa and Egypt are also strong contenders. The question is whether Africa will unite behind one candidate or remain divided, weakening its bargaining power.
Third, Nigeria itself faces credibility challenges. Issues of corruption, insecurity, and governance gaps may lead critics to question whether it can shoulder the global responsibilities of a permanent UNSC member. For Nigeria to succeed, it must not only lobby internationally but also demonstrate domestically that it has the discipline, transparency, and stability worthy of such a seat.
What It Means for Businesses
Nigeria’s push for a UNSC seat is not just diplomatic theater. It has direct implications for business and investment.
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Global Visibility: If successful, Nigeria would command unprecedented global attention. This could boost investor confidence, making the country more attractive to multinational corporations and development partners.
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Policy Influence: As a permanent member, Nigeria could shape global trade, climate, and security policies in ways that benefit African economies. Businesses operating in Nigeria would gain from a stronger geopolitical voice advocating for Africa.
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Brand Nigeria: For years, “Brand Nigeria” has been battered by insecurity, corruption scandals, and economic instability. A UNSC seat could serve as a reputational reset, projecting Nigeria as a global power, not just a troubled regional giant.
However, if Nigeria pushes for a seat without addressing its internal economic and governance realities, businesses may interpret the move as ambition without foundation.
Implications for Government and Policy Makers
For Nigeria’s government, the bid for a UNSC seat must be more than a diplomatic quest; it must be tied to domestic transformation.
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Security Reform: A country battling insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping cannot convincingly argue that it is ready to shape global security without demonstrating success at home.
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Economic Stability: Investors and allies will scrutinize Nigeria’s macroeconomic management. Policies that stabilize the naira, control inflation, and expand infrastructure will strengthen its case.
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Diplomatic Alliances: Success requires building coalitions. Nigeria must work with other African nations to present a united front while simultaneously lobbying permanent members of the Council.
This is not just about winning a seat; it is about proving that Nigeria can function as a reliable partner in global governance.
What It Means for Nigerians
For the average Nigerian, the idea of a Security Council seat may feel remote, even irrelevant. But it has practical implications.
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Global Respect: A UNSC seat would elevate Nigeria’s status, which could translate into stronger passports, better global partnerships, and a sense of national pride.
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Development Opportunities: A stronger global voice could mean more favorable trade deals, more foreign investment, and increased development aid.
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Diaspora Leverage: Millions of Nigerians abroad could benefit from their home country’s enhanced global influence, improving access and perception in their host nations.
However, Nigerians will not tolerate symbolic victories that do not translate into improved lives. A UNSC seat will only matter if the government also delivers jobs, security, and stability at home.
The Bigger Picture: Africa’s Voice in the World
Nigeria’s push is not just about Nigeria. It is about Africa’s absence at the world’s most powerful table. For decades, decisions about global peace, war, and sanctions have been made without a permanent African voice. This is a historical injustice.
Nigeria’s candidacy, therefore, is about correcting that imbalance. If Nigeria succeeds, it will not only lift its own profile but also create a platform for African concerns — from climate change to debt restructuring — to be heard at the highest level.
A Bold Bid, A Heavy Responsibility
Nigeria’s Vice President has placed the nation’s ambition before the world: a permanent seat at the UN Security Council. The aspiration is justified. The timing is strategic. But the road ahead is steep, requiring diplomacy abroad and discipline at home.
For businesses, this ambition signals opportunity. For government, it demands reform and accountability. For Nigerians, it offers the possibility of global respect, but only if matched by domestic transformation.
Ultimately, Nigeria’s bid is more than a quest for status — it is a test of readiness. If Nigeria can align its ambition with performance, the world may finally recognize it not just as Africa’s giant, but as a global power in its own right.
