Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar has asserted that it is high time for Nigeria to become a member of the United Nations Security Council, emphasizing that the nation deserves a seat at international decision-making tables.
In a live appearance on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, Minister Tuggar underlined the need for Nigeria to be part of global deliberations, stating, “It’s time to reform; it’s time for Nigeria to be in there – the Security Council.”
He further expressed Nigeria’s aspiration to democratize the global system and actively participate in discussions regarding the global economy and the welfare of the planet. Tuggar emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s involvement in forums like the G20.
The United Nations Security Council, a vital division of the UN, holds the primary responsibility for maintaining worldwide peace and security. It consists of five permanent members (China, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, and the Russian Federation) and ten elected members.
However, Tuggar called for reform within the UN, describing the current structure of permanent membership in the Security Council as outdated. He stressed the need for changes to this setup, which originated at the end of World War II.
When questioned about the criteria for Nigeria’s admission to the Security Council, Minister Tuggar pointed to the nation’s substantial population, its role in liberating other African nations from oppressive regimes, and its status as the largest country in Africa. He also highlighted Nigeria’s prominent position in the global economy.
“We are the largest country in Africa, and 50 per cent of Africans are Nigerians. We are projected to become the third-largest country in the world by the year 2050. We are the largest economy; we’ve always been a leader. We stood up and championed the liberation of African countries from racist regimes,” Tuggar explained.
He projected a global hierarchy that included India, China, and Nigeria as significant players. In recent weeks, President Bola Tinubu has been actively participating in international gatherings, including the G20 Summit in India and the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), further highlighting Nigeria’s presence on the global stage.
