Tinubu Demands UN Security Council Reform, Calls for African Permanent Seats
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed calls for reforms at the United Nations (UN) to grant Africa permanent representation on the Security Council.
Speaking on Wednesday at the plenary session on peace and stability during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu stressed that Africa deserves two permanent seats with full veto powers, in addition to more non-permanent seats, in line with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
“Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and legitimate demand,” Tinubu stated.
He further commended the Nigerian Armed Forces for recent gains against terrorism and criminality, describing their progress as a “springboard for national development and stability.” However, he cautioned that military victories alone cannot secure lasting peace without addressing the deeper issues of poverty, inequality, and exclusion.
Citing peace agreements in the Congo, Tinubu advocated for mediation tied to economic investment as a more sustainable approach to peace-building.
“We must be courageous in tackling not only terrorism itself but also its root causes,” he said.
Tinubu also urged African nations to embrace market-driven cross-border partnerships rather than relying on foreign aid, insisting that investment and economic collaboration are key to achieving peace, stability, and long-term prosperity.
