Nigeria: Country Deserves Permanent Seat in UN Security Council - Osinbajo

As the United Nations marks its 70th anniversary this year, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that Nigeria is eminently qualified for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council.

Osinbajo made this known yesterday in his keynote address during the African launch of the Global Commissioning Report on Confronting the Crisis of Global Governance, organised by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, SCDDD, where he also called for a strengthening of the international court of justice and acceptance of its jurisdiction.
"We share the view that the United Nations Security Council should be expanded. In addition, we take the position that based on our peacekeeping role in the UN, the size and strength of our economy and the fact that our country has the largest population on the continent, Nigeria deserves permanent member status on the Security Council."

In his remarks, chairman of the occasion, Amb. Babagana Kingibe said the report of the commission, followed an extensive research and over 20 international consultations including two UN member states consultations one of which, he said, was hosted by Nigeria's ambassador to the UN, Dr Joy Ogwu.

According to Kingibe, the report is designed to start a conversation on global governance innovation that harnesses the talents and networks of governments and non-state actors alike and considered new frameworks for collective action on critical issues such as state fragility and violent conflict, the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, and the volatility of what he termed the "hyperconnected" global economy.

In his welcome address, chairman and founder of the SCDDD, and co-chair of UN commission, Prof Ibrahim Gambari pointed out that despite the progress and advancement recorded since the ending of two World Wars, militant extremism and discrimination against the rights of women, children, and minorities worldwide, continue to threaten the peace of the world.

Gambari said the institutional reform agenda is geared towards a roadmap for broad-based policy dialogue and an institutional reform agenda aimed at 2020, the 75th anniversary commemoration of the United Nations.

"The recommendations of the commission are intended, in this 70th anniversary year of the United Nations, to encourage what Secretary Albright and I have been calling a roadmap for broad-based policy dialogue and an institutional reform agenda aimed at 2020, the 75th anniversary commemoration of the United Nations.