Nigeria has called for urgent reforms of global governance institutions and stronger representation for Africa in international decision-making, declared that the continent can no longer remain excluded from permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council.
The call was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, during the 18th BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting held in New Delhi, India.
Delivering Nigeria’s national statement at the high-level meeting chaired by S. Jaishankar, Ahmed said the world was facing increasingly complex and interconnected challenges that require urgent reforms of the multilateral system.
He identified geopolitical tensions, economic uncertainties, climate change, terrorism, food insecurity, and disruptions in global supply chains as major threats confronting the international community.
According to him, the BRICS platform has emerged as a strong voice for the Global South and a constructive force advocating a more equitable, inclusive, and multipolar international order founded on mutual respect, sovereign equality, solidarity, and shared prosperity.
“Nigeria strongly supports efforts aimed at strengthening multilateralism, reforming global governance institutions and ensuring greater representation of developing countries in international decision-making processes, particularly within the United Nations system and international financial institutions,” he stated.
Ahmed warned that geopolitical fragmentation and growing rivalries among states were steadily eroding trust and weakening the spirit of collective action among nations.
He noted that conflicts and insecurity across several regions of the world were placing immense strain on institutions such as the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, and other international organisations.
The Permanent Secretary stressed that reform of global governance had become inevitable, insisting that the multilateral system must be renewed to serve the interests of all nations and not just a privileged few.
Speaking on Africa’s representation at the United Nations Security Council, Ahmed said the exclusion of a continent with over 1.4 billion people from permanent membership was unjustifiable and unsustainable.
“Africa cannot continue to be excluded from permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council. Nigeria stands prepared to assume this responsibility. We are ready to represent Africa’s voice with integrity, balance, and strength,” he declared.
Ahmed also highlighted reforms being implemented under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing them as bold and transformative initiatives aimed at strengthening democracy, diversifying the economy, enhancing national security, and empowering citizens.
According to him, the reforms reflect Nigeria’s determination to contribute meaningfully to a global order that is fair, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all nations.
He added that Nigeria’s efforts in peace and security, economic diversification, climate action, and youth empowerment demonstrate that reform is not only a domestic priority but also a global responsibility.
Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to collective solutions through its engagements with the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and BRICS, noting that the country has consistently championed peacekeeping, democracy, and sustainable development.
He further aligned Nigeria with BRICS’ vision of a multipolar world order, inclusive representation, and stronger South-South cooperation.
The Permanent Secretary stressed the need for reforms of international financial institutions to give emerging economies a stronger and more credible voice, while ensuring that development financing remains fair, accessible, and responsive to the needs of developing countries.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to balanced trade, opposition to protectionism, and deeper regional integration, pointing to the country’s leadership role in the African Continental Free Trade Area as evidence of its dedication to building stronger economic ties across the Global South.
In his concluding remarks, Ahmed called for unity of purpose among nations and urged world leaders to work together in shaping a global system that is just, equitable, and resilient.
He maintained that the decisions taken today would determine whether global governance truly evolves into an instrument of peace, fairness, and progress for all nations.
