President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
By Abayomi Grace
President Bola Tinubu has called for sweeping reforms at the United Nations, warning that the global body risks becoming irrelevant if it fails to reflect today’s world realities. Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly, Tinubu emphasized the need for urgent restructuring. He outlined four core reform demands, starting with Nigeria’s long-standing call for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Tinubu argued that the council must reflect the current global landscape, not the post-World War II order. “Nigeria must have a permanent seat at the UN Security Council,” he said. “The United Nations will recover its relevance only when it reflects the world as it is, not as it was.” This demand is driven by Nigeria’s population, peacekeeping record, and regional influence, which Tinubu believes justify its inclusion as a permanent member.
The President also proposed the creation of a new global mechanism to manage sovereign debt, describing it as a sort of “International Court of Justice for money” that would help emerging economies escape the economic constraints of exporting raw materials. Tinubu emphasized that debt relief should be pursued as a route to peace and prosperity, rather than charity. “Investment in exploration, development, and processing of minerals in Africa will diversify supply to the international market, reduce tensions between major economies, and help shape the architecture for peace and prosperity,” he added.
Furthermore, Tinubu highlighted the importance of fair control over Africa’s critical minerals, ensuring investment, local processing, and job creation in Africa. This, he said, would reduce inequality and global tensions. On the digital front, Tinubu echoed the UN Secretary-General’s vision that “A.I. must stand for ‘Africa Included’,” calling for expanded access and dialogue to close wealth and knowledge gaps.
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace, development, unity, multilateralism, and human rights, stressing that global security is interconnected. “For none of us is safe until all of us are safe,” he said. “We must make real change, change that works, and change that is seen to work. If we fail, the direction of travel is already predictable.” The President’s address highlighted the need for reform to ensure the UN’s continued relevance in addressing global challenges.
Tinubu’s reform agenda includes urgent action to promote debt relief and access to trade and financing, enabling emerging economies to achieve sustainable growth. He also emphasized ensuring that countries hosting critical minerals benefit fairly from these resources, with investment in local processing and job creation. Additionally, he called for closing the digital divide and promoting Africa’s inclusion in the global digital economy, with a focus on education and technology access.
