Nigeria has renewed its push for Africa to secure permanent seats with veto power in the United Nations Security Council, describing the reform of the global governance system as long overdue. This position was presented at the 7th African Union–European Union Summit in Luanda, Angola, where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, urged the European Union to support Africa’s long-standing request. He said, “It is time for Africa to occupy permanent seats on the UN Security Council, with all attendant privileges, including the veto.”
Speaking during the first plenary session on Peace, Security, Governance and Multilateralism, the President emphasised that cooperation between Africa and Europe must become stronger to tackle armed conflict, illicit weapons, climate pressures, irregular migration, and political instability. He noted that over 250,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals had surrendered in early 2025 as a result of Nigeria’s use of both kinetic and non-kinetic measures. He explained, “As of early 2025, over 120,000 Boko Haram-affiliated individuals, including family members, have surrendered.”
President Tinubu highlighted Nigeria’s experience, saying that regional instability, if ignored, fuels terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and organised crime. He pointed to the Multinational Joint Task Force in the Lake Chad Basin as a successful African-led security model and commended the EU for its steady partnership since the creation of the African Peace and Security Architecture in 2002. He added that the recent Sea-Lift Agreement between the Nigerian Navy and the AU Standby Force is boosting Africa’s rapid deployment capacity for peace and humanitarian support.
While recognising Europe’s concerns about irregular migration, the President stressed that criminalising mobility has worsened insecurity. He proposed structured labour pathways, including Nigeria’s Technical Aid Corps and opportunities in Business Process Outsourcing, noting that West Africa has a long history of seasonal movement. He stated, “Our joint task is to convert mobility into safe, orderly, and productive pathways that benefit both continents.”
On governance issues, the President criticised the rising cases of Unconstitutional Changes of Government across Africa, linking them to external pressures that destabilise fragile political systems. He announced the Regional Partnership for Democracy, created by Nigeria and neighbouring countries to strengthen constitutional order, counter extremist narratives, combat disinformation, and support governance reforms. He warned about the worsening conflicts in Sudan and South Sudan, noting that the Sudan crisis has caused more than 40,000 deaths and displaced over 12 million people. He said external actors contributing to the conflict must be held accountable.
President Tinubu insisted that Africa’s peace and security challenges must be addressed through African-led frameworks. He stressed, “We stand resolutely against the use of private military and security companies in African conflicts, as their presence often complicates resolution efforts and undermines state sovereignty.” He added that despite a global decline in support for multilateralism, the EU remains a valuable partner for cooperation based on respect and shared goals.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace, security, and democratic governance across the continent, stating that the country is ready to work closely with the EU to create a more stable and prosperous world. The President expressed appreciation to the Government and people of Angola for their hospitality and thanked the European Union for its long-standing support to the African Union, especially in peace and security efforts.
