- Nigeria’s Foreign Minister has called for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council during the World Economic Forum in Davos
- Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar advocated for Nigeria’s representation in global governance, highlighting the country’s strategic significance
- Tuggar stressed the need for more equitable policies, targeting UN’s Deforestation Law and pushing for greater African influence at the G20
During a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on Tuesday, January 21, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, called for Africa's inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He also advocated for Nigeria to represent the continent on the global stage, citing the exclusion of African nations despite the fact that 60% of UNSC resolutions address African issues.
Tuggar’s remarks, delivered during the "Africa’s Momentum" session, were supported by a statement from his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, who noted that Tuggar's advocacy came alongside critiques of policies like the UN's Deforestation Law, which unfairly penalises African nations while failing to hold global corporations accountable.
The Foreign Minister further stressed the need for fairness in global governance and highlighted Nigeria’s strategic autonomy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy and underscored the nation’s historical contributions to African liberation movements, including its support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
The session, moderated by Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, also featured key African leaders such as Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Nafti, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Therese Wagner, and Uganda’s Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
The conversation focused on Africa’s growing role in global governance, with an eye on the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa.
Tuggar emphasised that the G20 Summit presented an opportunity to make a strong case for Nigeria’s inclusion in the group, citing the country’s economic size, projected population growth, and global influence.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s unique position as the only African nation with a permanent seat on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and called for a reassessment of Special Drawing Rights to help fund Africa’s energy transition.
In addition, Tuggar urged South Africa, the host of the 2025 G20 Summit, to champion a more democratic global system and support Nigeria’s efforts to secure greater representation in international forums.
“Funny position with the US”: Public reacts as Nigeria joins BRICS as partner country
Meanwhile, TheRadar reported that following the announcement at the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) summit held in Kazan, Russia, from October 22 to 24, 2024, Nigerians have expressed varied reactions to the news that Nigeria has been included as a partner country in the alliance.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development on Thursday, stating, “Yes. It is true that Nigeria joined BRICS as a partner.”