Nigeria has called for urgent reform of the United Nations, stronger international cooperation and renewed commitment to diplomacy, dialogue and international law as world leaders deliberate on global challenges at the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).
The call was made in Nigeria’s national statement delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, during the General Debate of the 81st UNGA on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The statement, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and signed by its spokesperson, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, said Nigeria was committed to restoring trust in international institutions and strengthening the multilateral system.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the UN Charter and its principles, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and collective responsibility in advancing global peace and security.
A major focus of the statement was reform of the UN Security Council, with Nigeria reiterating Africa’s position under the Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration for at least two permanent and five non-permanent seats on the Council.
The statement stressed the need for the Council to reflect current global realities and ensure meaningful African representation in decisions concerning international peace and security.
Nigeria also highlighted its contributions to international peacekeeping, recalling its roles in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Darfur, Mali and The Gambia.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting peace, security and democratic governance through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and Gulf of Guinea partnerships.
On the economy, Nigeria linked its foreign policy to its ongoing economic reforms, highlighting macroeconomic management, stronger institutions, private-sector development and strategic public investment as key elements of its sustainable development efforts and contribution to global prosperity.
The country also called for greater technology transfer, capacity building and climate finance to enable developing countries to pursue economic growth while meeting their climate commitments.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Advances Whole-of-Society Security Strategy at UNGA
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to the Energy Transition Plan and the Paris Agreement, including its target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.
On emerging technologies, the country highlighted the opportunities presented by artificial intelligence and its investments in digital infrastructure, broadband connectivity, innovation ecosystems, research institutions and technology entrepreneurship.
Furthermore, Nigeria called for the responsible application of artificial intelligence in sectors including healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity.
On development financing, Nigeria advocated reforms to the international financial architecture, wider access to concessional financing and sustainable debt frameworks.
It also supported innovative financing through private capital, blended finance, South-South cooperation and strategic partnerships.
Expand Trade
The statement identified the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as crucial to expanding intra-African trade, strengthening regional value chains, promoting industrialisation and moving the continent towards greater value addition and knowledge-driven growth.
On global security, Nigeria called for stronger international cooperation against terrorism, organised crime, cyberattacks and illicit financial flows.
It urged countries to strengthen intelligence sharing, build institutional capacity, disrupt the financing of violence and prevent the illicit flow of weapons that fuel conflicts.
Drawing on Nigeria’s experience in confronting Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups, the statement stressed that sustainable security must be supported by education, economic opportunities, accountable governance and protection of the rights and dignity of communities.
Nigeria also called for urgent diplomatic action to address conflicts in Sudan and other war-affected countries, urging parties to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian access and respect international humanitarian and human rights law.
It advocated greater emphasis on dialogue, reconciliation, peacebuilding and conflict prevention, stressing that military victories alone cannot guarantee lasting peace.
The country further highlighted Africa’s resilience, youthful population, natural resources and expanding markets as important advantages that could position the continent as a major driver of future global growth.
Nigeria therefore called for developing countries to be recognised as essential partners in shaping global solutions and advancing shared prosperity.
In its concluding message, Nigeria pledged to “continue to choose cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over division, hope over fear, and partnership over isolation.”
The statement said these principles should guide the UN in responding to the legitimate aspirations of all member states.
Nigeria also called on countries to honour their obligations to one another and manage prevailing global challenges “with justice, wisdom and compassion” to restore trust in the multilateral system.
It described a reformed, inclusive and effective United Nations as “sine qua non for a peaceful, just and sustainable world” for future generations.
The statement further underscored that “humanity is the world’s oldest citizenship” and that peace is “the inheritance owed to every child.”
