The call for Africa to have a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar. During a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum, Tuggar highlighted the need for Africa’s representation on the Council, considering that a significant portion of its resolutions concern African matters.
Tuggar criticized policies that disproportionately affect Africa, like the UN Council’s Deforestation Law, which penalizes African nations for deforestation without addressing the global entities enabling it. He emphasized Nigeria’s non-aligned foreign policy and autonomy under President Bola Tinubu, advocating for fairness in global governance and Africa’s involvement in decision-making processes.
The panel, moderated by Bronwen Maddox, featured African leaders discussing Africa’s global governance role and the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa. Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s past contributions to African liberation struggles, especially its support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid movement.
He pointed out Nigeria’s unique status as the only African nation with a permanent seat in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council. Tuggar advocated for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, citing its economic size, large population, and global influence as strong qualifications.
Tuggar proposed a reassessment of Special Drawing Rights to support Africa’s energy transition and a renewed commitment to technology transfer agreements. He addressed the issue of Africa’s representation in global forums, stressing that the continent’s 54 nations should be treated as distinct entities.
Tuggar encouraged South Africa, the host of the 2025 G20 Summit, to push for a more democratic and inclusive global system. He expressed optimism that South Africa would support Nigeria’s quest for enhanced representation.