Vice President Kashim Shettima met with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on September 24, 2025, in New York to discuss Nigeria’s ambitious bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, as well as pressing security challenges affecting Nigeria and the broader African region. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where global leaders gathered to deliberate on international peace, development, and cooperation.

Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding demand for reform of the Security Council to better reflect current global realities rather than the post-World War II order set in 1945. Shettima emphasized Nigeria’s unique qualifications, including its status as Africa’s most populous country with over 236 million people, the continent’s largest economy, and a consistent contributor to United Nations peacekeeping missions worldwide.

Speaking on behalf of the Nigerian government, Shettima told Secretary-General Guterres, “Nigeria’s journey from a colonial territory to a sovereign nation underscores our evolution and responsibility. It is only just that we have a permanent seat on the Security Council that mirrors today’s geopolitical and demographic realities.” He highlighted Nigeria’s stabilizing role in regional security and its unwavering commitment to multilateralism, peace, and human rights.

The conversations also addressed Nigeria’s internal and regional security issues, especially the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and insurgency that continue to destabilize parts of the country. Shettima underscored Nigeria’s earnest efforts in strengthening security collaborations with African and global partners, calling for enhanced international solidarity to tackle shared threats.

Secretary-General Guterres expressed support for Nigeria’s campaign and stressed the importance of reforms that make the UN more representative and effective. Both leaders agreed on the urgency of tackling global security challenges collectively, promoting sustainable development, and empowering emerging economies.

Expert analysts underscore that Nigeria’s bid reflects the country’s rising influence and the growing demand for Africa’s amplified representation on the Security Council, which currently lacks any permanent African member. However, they caution that achieving this goal requires continued progress in governance, security, and economic reform at home to strengthen Nigeria’s credibility on the world stage.

Professor Adewale Okoro, an international relations expert in Abuja, remarked, “Nigeria’s push for a permanent seat is a notable aspiration but must be matched by substantial domestic improvements. The world will look for a nation that exemplifies stability, democracy, and rule of law.”

In summary, Vice President Shettima’s meeting with UN Secretary-General Guterres reinforces Nigeria’s renewed and urgent call for a permanent Security Council seat, highlighting Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and commitment to global peace. The outcome of Nigeria’s campaign will depend on ongoing diplomatic efforts and demonstrated progress in addressing its internal challenges while advocating for necessary reforms at the UN.