UN Chief António Guterres Backs Nigeria’s Security Council Bid
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has publicly backed Nigeria’s bid for a permanent
seat on the United Nations Security Council and applauded the country’s recent economic reforms and
leadership role in regional security, Nigerian officials said following a high-level meeting at the 39th
African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Guterres made the remarks during a bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on 14
February 2026, held on the sidelines of the summit.
He described Nigeria as uniquely positioned to lead Africa in shaping a restructured global order, citing
the nation’s large population, democratic continuity, natural and human resources, and longstanding
commitment to multilateralism as assets.
The UN chief also commended the economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,
noting that Nigeria’s efforts at economic restructuring and its security commitments, including its role in
stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, have strengthened the country’s standing across the
continent.
Guterres said these achievements enhance Nigeria’s credentials as it seeks stronger representation in
global decision-making forums.
The discussions focused on broadening UN–Nigeria cooperation to promote global economic growth,
peace and security, sustainable development, and coordinated humanitarian responses throughout
Africa.
Guterres reaffirmed the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its expanding leadership role in
advancing peace, security and development across the continent.
In response, Vice President Shettima thanked Guterres for his leadership on global peace issues and
reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and deeper partnerships with the United Nations
and other global institutions.
He also emphasised the need for comprehensive reform of the UN system to better reflect
contemporary realities, arguing that Africa must have stronger representation in global governance
structures. Shettima maintained that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with commitments to strengthen collaboration on peace,
security, and development issues affecting Africa in the years ahead.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
