United Nations, New York – In a powerful address to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Nigeria’s Vice-President, His Excellency Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, delivered a compelling case for a reformed global order, urging world leaders to address systemic inequalities, promote sustainable development, and bridge the digital divide. Speaking on the theme “Better Together: 80 Years and More for Peace, Development, and Human Rights,” Shettima outlined Nigeria’s vision for a reinvigorated multilateral system, emphasizing four key priorities: a permanent seat for Nigeria on the UN Security Council, urgent action on sovereign debt relief, equitable benefits from mineral resources, and closing the digital divide to ensure Africa’s inclusion in the technological revolution.
The speech, delivered on September 24, 2025, came at a critical juncture for the United Nations, as it marked its 80th anniversary amid growing skepticism about the efficacy of multilateral institutions. Shettima’s address was a clarion call for reform, rooted in Nigeria’s historical journey and its aspirations for a more equitable and inclusive global community. With a population of over 236 million, projected to become the world’s third most populous nation by 2050, Nigeria positioned itself as a pivotal player in shaping the future of global governance.
A World at a Crossroads
Shettima opened his address by painting a vivid picture of the challenges facing the international community. “The chaos that shadows our world is a reminder that we cannot afford the luxury of inaction,” he declared, highlighting the risks of division in a world grappling with conflicts, climate crises, and technological disruption. He emphasized the United Nations’ role as a unifying force, born from the ashes of World War II to foster order and prevent the recurrence of global catastrophe. “Our belief in this community is not a posture of moral superiority but an undying faith in the redemption of humanity,” Shettima said, underscoring Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism.
The Vice-President’s remarks set the stage for a broader reflection on the UN’s legacy and its future. He noted that the world of 1945, when the UN was founded, has given way to a new reality defined by rapid technological advancements, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and existential threats such as climate change and irregular migration. These challenges, he argued, demand a renewed commitment to collective action and a willingness to adapt the UN’s structures to meet contemporary needs.
Congratulations and Gratitude
Shettima began by extending Nigeria’s congratulations to the President of the 80th General Assembly, commending her election and pledging Nigeria’s unwavering support for her tenure. “Your leadership comes at a pivotal moment, and we are confident that your vision will guide us toward meaningful progress,” he said. He also praised the outgoing President, His Excellency Philémon Yang, for his exemplary stewardship during a period of global turbulence. Yang’s efforts to foster dialogue and unity were lauded as a model for leadership in challenging times.
The Vice-President reserved special praise for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, whose tireless advocacy for reform and inclusivity has resonated deeply with Nigeria’s aspirations. “His leadership has been a guiding light, reminding us that our collective strength lies in our ability to work together,” Shettima noted. Guterres’ UN80 Initiative, aimed at reforming the UN system for greater relevance and efficiency, was highlighted as a critical step toward addressing the financial and operational challenges facing the organization.
A Moment for Truth and Reform
The 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Shettima argued, is not merely a time for celebration but a moment for introspection and bold action. “This anniversary must not be a sentimental retreat into nostalgia,” he said. “It must be a moment of truth, a pause to measure where we have stumbled and how we might have done better in turning our values into action.” The persistence of global challenges—nuclear proliferation, small arms trafficking, economic inequality, and ongoing conflicts—reveals a gap between the UN’s aspirations and its achievements.
Shettima pointed to troubling signs of waning faith in multilateralism, noting that key discussions are increasingly taking place outside the General Assembly hall and that the voices of heads of state are being overshadowed by other actors. “These are troubling signs,” he warned, emphasizing Nigeria’s firm belief in the merits of multilateralism. However, he stressed that sustaining this conviction requires tangible change. “We must show that existing structures are not set in stone. We must make real change, change that works, and change that is seen to work,” he said.
To address these challenges, Shettima outlined four key priorities that Nigeria believes are essential to strengthening the prospects for peace, development, and human rights. These priorities, he argued, are not just aspirations but actionable steps toward a more just and equitable world.
Priority One: A Permanent Seat for Nigeria on the UN Security Council
Central to Nigeria’s vision is a call for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, a demand rooted in the need for fairness, representation, and credibility in global governance. Shettima traced Nigeria’s journey from a colony of 20 million people in 1945, absent from global decision-making, to a sovereign nation of over 236 million, projected to become the third most populous country by 2050. “Our population is young, dynamic, and brimming with potential,” he said, positioning Nigeria as a vital player in the global community.
Nigeria’s contributions to peacekeeping underscore its case for a permanent seat. Since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has participated in 51 of the 60 UN peacekeeping operations, deploying soldiers and civilians to conflict zones across Africa and beyond. From Liberia to Sierra Leone, Mali to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria has been a consistent partner in upholding peace and security. At home, the country battles insurgency and violent extremism, drawing on its experience to advocate for solutions that prioritize values and ideas over purely military approaches.
“The United Nations will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was,” Shettima declared. The Security Council’s current structure, dominated by the permanent five members, does not reflect the diversity or demographic weight of today’s world. Africa, with its 54 nations and over 1.4 billion people, deserves a stronger voice in global decision-making. Nigeria’s inclusion as a permanent member would enhance the Council’s legitimacy, ensuring that the Global South is adequately represented in matters of war and peace.
Shettima expressed strong support for the Secretary-General’s UN80 Initiative and the resolution adopted on July 18, 2025, which calls for a reformed UN system. He emphasized the need to rationalize structures, eliminate duplication, and ensure that the UN speaks with one voice. “By aligning our structures with the realities of the modern world, we can restore credibility to the institution upon which the hope of multilateralism rests,” he said.
The push for Security Council reform is part of a broader effort to make the UN more responsive to contemporary challenges. Nigeria supports initiatives to streamline operations, address financial strains, and enhance coherence across the UN system. By embracing these reforms, the organization can better deliver on its mandate to promote peace, development, and human rights.
Priority Two: Sovereign Debt Relief and Access to Trade and Finance
Economic inequality and financial exclusion are major barriers to sustainable peace, Shettima argued, calling for urgent action to promote sovereign debt relief and improve access to trade and finance. For many developing nations, including Nigeria, the burden of debt stifles growth, forcing governments to prioritize repayment over investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. “The price of peace is eternal vigilance,” Shettima said, highlighting the difficult choices facing nations like Nigeria: infrastructure renewal or defense platforms, schools or tanks?
Nigeria’s recent economic reforms, including the removal of subsidies and currency controls, reflect a commitment to creating a more inclusive and sustainable economic model. These reforms, while challenging, are necessary to address distortions that benefited the few at the expense of the many. The inaugural West Africa Economic Summit, held in Abuja earlier this year, showcased the transformative power of innovation and investment, bringing together stakeholders to create new opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Shettima called for a new, binding mechanism to manage sovereign debt—an “International Court of Justice for Money”—that would enable emerging economies to escape the cycle of dependency on unprocessed exports. The Lagos Action Plan, articulated decades ago, outlined a pathway toward economic independence through local value addition in sectors such as agriculture, solid minerals, and petrochemicals. Yet, these opportunities remain largely untapped. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), a landmark achievement in regional cooperation, offers a platform to unlock new avenues for trade, investment, and economic growth.
Climate change was highlighted as a critical area requiring global attention. “It is not an abstract issue about an indeterminate fate,” Shettima said. “It is about national, regional, and international security. It is about irregular migration. Truly, this is an ‘everyone issue.’” Nigeria has instructed its relevant ministries to work with the UN to optimize the use of climate funds, prioritizing investments in education, resilient housing, and access to technology and financing. These initiatives aim to empower vulnerable communities, enabling them to contribute to solutions rather than being seen as problems.
Shettima urged the UN to re-examine the allocation of scarce resources, ensuring that they are directed toward initiatives that promote sustainable development and economic resilience. By addressing the root causes of instability—poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation—the international community can build a foundation for lasting peace.
Priority Three: Equitable Benefits from Mineral Resources
Africa’s vast reserves of critical minerals, essential for the technologies of the future, have too often been a source of conflict rather than prosperity. Shettima welcomed recent progress toward peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo, noting that international investment and engagement offer a pathway out of the cycle of violence and decay. He cited historical examples, such as the diamond wars in Sierra Leone in the 1990s and ongoing challenges in Sudan, to illustrate the destabilizing impact of resource exploitation.
In Nigeria, lessons from the oil-producing Niger Delta underscore the importance of equitable resource distribution. “We are more stable when those communities that have access to key resources are able to benefit from those resources,” Shettima said. He called for increased investment in the exploration, development, and processing of critical minerals in Africa, arguing that such investments would diversify global supply chains, reduce tensions between major economies, and promote peace and prosperity on the continent.
By ensuring that countries producing strategic minerals benefit fairly through investment, partnership, and local processing, the international community can strengthen the global order and reduce the risk of conflict. Nigeria is committed to working with partners to create a framework that prioritizes job creation and economic development, transforming the wealth of its resources into tangible benefits for its people.
Priority Four: Closing the Digital Divide
The digital divide remains a significant barrier to global equity, Shettima argued, echoing the Secretary-General’s call for an inclusive approach to artificial intelligence where “A.I.” stands for “Africa Included.” The technological revolution of the past two decades has brought unprecedented opportunities, but it has also exposed new vulnerabilities, from disinformation to cybercrime. In Nigeria, technology has driven progress in areas such as mobile banking and digital education, but the risks of fake news and eroding trust among younger generations are cause for concern.
“I am more worried about an emerging generation that grows ever more cynical, because it believes nothing and trusts less,” Shettima said. He proposed a dedicated initiative to bring together researchers, the private sector, governments, and communities to close the digital divide. This initiative would focus on promoting equitable access to technology, fostering digital literacy, and creating safeguards to mitigate the risks of misinformation and cyber threats.
By bridging the digital divide, the international community can empower emerging economies to close the wealth and knowledge gap, creating a more inclusive global community. Technology, Shettima argued, should be a force for good, enabling growth, fostering innovation, and promoting the values of a shared humanity.
Nigeria’s Commitment to Peace and Multilateralism
Throughout his address, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to peace, development, unity, and human rights. He highlighted Nigeria’s role in regional and global peacekeeping, noting its participation in 51 UN operations since 1960. The country’s ongoing efforts to combat insurgency and violent extremism at home have informed its advocacy for solutions that prioritize values and ideas over military tactics. “Military tactics may win battles measured in months and years, but in wars that span generations, it is values and ideas that deliver the ultimate victory,” he said.
Nigeria’s commitment extends to addressing global conflicts, including the violence in Gaza, the illegal attack on Qatar, and tensions in the wider region. Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s support for a two-state solution as the most dignified path to lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. “The people of Palestine are not collateral damage in a civilization searching for order,” he said. “They are human beings, equal in worth, entitled to the same freedoms and dignities that the rest of us take for granted.”
As a diverse nation, Nigeria recognizes the variable nature of democracy and is working with the UN to strengthen democratic institutions through initiatives like the Regional Partnership for Democracy. By promoting participation, accountability, and inclusion, Nigeria aims to build resilient societies capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
A Vision for a Shared Future
Shettima concluded his address with a powerful call to action, urging world leaders to recommit to the ideals that have defined the United Nations for eight decades. “The road ahead will not be easy, and we know there are no quick fixes to the trials that test the human spirit,” he said. “Yet history reminds us that bold action in pursuit of noble ideals has always defined the story of the United Nations.”
Nigeria’s vision is one of a world united in purpose and action, where peace, development, and human rights are not just promises but realities for all. By embracing reform, promoting equity, and upholding the values of a shared humanity, the international community can build a future that is truly “better together.” As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, Nigeria stands ready to play its part, contributing to a global community that is resilient, inclusive, and capable of meeting the challenges of the 21st century.
