UNGA79: Nigeria advocates for UN Security Council seat, citing 200,000 troops in 41 missions
The federal government on Monday called for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, citing its contribution to 41 peacekeeping missions and the deployment of over 200,000 troops.
Addressing the 79th United Nations General Assembly, Minister of Defence Mohammed Abubakar Badaru urged for reform of the UN Security Council to ensure Africa is represented with permanent seats, thereby enhancing global stability.
The minister emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peace and security, stating, “Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its dedication to peacebuilding and security since its first deployment of troops to the Congo in 1960. To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over 200,000 Nigerian troops serving in UN missions.”
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“Under regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has participated in peacekeeping operations in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, and Sierra Leone, among others. The country has made significant contributions in terms of finance, logistics, troops, and civilian experts, establishing itself as one of the largest contributors of troops and police to United Nations missions in Africa.
“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to advocate for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to ensure just and permanent representation for Africa, promoting inclusivity and enhancing global peace and security,” he said.
The minister also stressed the importance of building professional African armies to combat terrorism and called for the operationalization of the African Standby Force.
The minister emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region.
He stated, “We recognize the necessity for Africa to develop strong and professional armies to effectively combat terrorism. Nigeria calls for the operationalization of the African Standby Force (ASF) and for the provision of the necessary support and resources to ensure the establishment and effectiveness of a center of excellence in Africa focused on counter-terrorism. We reiterate the call to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation, enhance the capacities of member states, promote understanding and collaboration, defuse tensions, and pursue peaceful resolutions to conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine.”
Badaru reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime and called for comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement to address the growing alliances between bandits and terrorists.
Regarding the proliferation of arms, the minister urged the international community to intensify efforts to control the spread of small arms and light weapons in conflict zones, particularly in the Sahel region. He stated that unrestricted access to illicit arms by non-state actors exacerbates insecurity and instability.
“We must enhance our efforts to tackle transnational organized crime and related illegal financial flows through comprehensive strategies, especially in light of the emerging alliances between bandits and terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom and piracy. We urge the international community to renew its commitment to curbing the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict areas, particularly in the Sahel, where unrestricted access by non-state actors continues to foster insecurity and instability,” the minister said.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at Neptune Prime.
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