The Nigerian government has reiterated its demand for veto power on the United Nations Security Council, while calling for Africa to be allocated two permanent seats on the council.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima made the call during his address at the ongoing 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday, saying the current Security Council needs reform.

Mr Shettima maintained that the unbalanced 1945 arrangement that granted permanent seats and veto power to China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom and the United States on the council, while ignoring Africa, cannot continue in 2026.

“The reform of this institution must begin with the reconstitution of the Security Council, for the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945. Africa cannot continue to fill the Council’s agenda while remaining absent from its permanent membership.

“Nigeria demands, in accordance with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, at least two permanent seats for Africa, with all the rights and responsibilities of permanent membership, including the veto for as long as it exists, and five non-permanent seats in total. The authority to speak for humanity carries an obligation to represent it,” the vice-president said.

Mr Shettima presented Nigeria as a strong candidate for a potential African permanent seat on the council with veto power, assuring the assembly that the country is ready to assume greater responsibility.

“Nigeria stands ready to assume greater responsibility on the strength of obligations honoured and sacrifices made over decades in the service of peace. From Liberia and Sierra Leone to Darfur, Mali and The Gambia, we have committed personnel and resources when international solidarity required action.

“Through ECOWAS, the African Union and our Gulf of Guinea partnerships, we continue to advance mediation, democratic governance, counter-terrorism and maritime security,” Mr Shettima stated.