President Tinubu demands urgent UN reform
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has delivered a bold warning to the United Nations and global leaders, urging them to initiate sweeping institutional reforms or risk being rendered irrelevant by rapidly evolving world dynamics.
Speaking during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York — through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him — Tinubu sharply criticized the United Nations’ inability to effectively manage global crises. He referenced ongoing humanitarian disasters in regions like Gaza and Ukraine, calling them “stains on our collective humanity.”
According to a statement by the presidency via Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Tinubu said:
“The United Nations will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was.”
Nigeria’s call for permanent Security Council seat
A central theme of Tinubu’s address was Nigeria’s demand for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. He framed this request as part of a broader effort to reform international institutions that no longer reflect modern global realities.
“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 highlighted Nigeria’s transformation from a British colony of 20 million to a democratic nation of over 236 million citizens, projected to become the third most populous country in the world by 2050. This demographic significance, he argued, justifies a stronger voice for Nigeria in international affairs.
Confronting global injustice and the Palestinian issue
Tinubu voiced frustration with the slow pace of progress on long-standing international concerns — such as nuclear disarmament, arms proliferation, and equitable access to trade and finance.
On the Palestinian conflict, he delivered one of the speech’s most powerful statements:
“We say, without stuttering and without doubt, that a two-state solution remains the most dignified path to lasting peace for the people of Palestine.”
He emphasized that Palestinians must not be treated as “collateral damage” and called for human dignity and equality in international diplomacy. This echoes sentiments from international bodies like Human Rights Watch and aligns with UN resolutions on Palestine.
Proposing a financial justice system
One of the most forward-thinking proposals in Tinubu’s speech was the idea of an international court to oversee sovereign debt — a bold suggestion aimed at giving emerging economies fair financial relief.
“I am calling for a new and binding mechanism to manage sovereign debt — a sort of International Court of Justice for money.”
He argued that debt relief must not be treated as charity, but as an investment in global peace and stability, echoing concerns raised by the IMF and World Bank about debt sustainability in the Global South.
Africa’s mineral wealth and technological future
President Tinubu called for a recalibration of global resource control, pointing out that Africa holds many of the critical minerals essential for future technologies — including cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements.
“Africa – and I must include Nigeria – has in abundance the critical minerals that will drive the technologies of the future.”
He advocated for value addition, local processing, and fair returns on African resources — not mere raw material extraction.
On technology, he supported the UN Secretary-General’s vision that “AI must mean Africa Included”, stressing the need to bridge the global digital divide. You can read more on this from the UN’s digital inclusion agenda.
Defending economic reforms and difficult transitions
Tinubu addressed Nigeria’s internal economic reforms, such as fuel subsidy removal and currency adjustments, as necessary for long-term growth. Though painful in the short term, he believes these policies will lay a foundation for economic self-reliance and sustainability.
“The government has taken difficult but necessary steps to restructure our economy… Our task is to enable and facilitate, and to trust in the ingenuity and enterprise of the people.”
These remarks reflect broader conversations around market-led growth advocated by institutions like the African Development Bank.
Fighting extremism with values, not just force
On security, Tinubu stressed that while military tactics can win temporary victories, lasting peace will only come from winning hearts and minds. He underscored the importance of ideological and educational tools in fighting extremism — a view also supported by organizations like UNESCO.
A global crossroads
In conclusion, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace, human rights, multilateralism, and sustainable development. However, he warned global leaders that the current international system must change:
“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.”
