Nigeria has made its case for proper representation on the United Nations Security Council.
It stated that having contributed to at least 41 peacekeeping missions globally and deployed over 200,000 Nigerian troops in UN operations, it deserves a seat on the global security body.
“It is on this basis that Nigeria continues to call for the reform of the United Nations Security Council to provide just representation for Africa permanently, promoting inclusivity and enhancing global peace and security,” said the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, during his address at the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, on Sunday.
His remarks were made during the Summit of the Future interactive dialogue, themed ‘Enhancing Multilateralism for International Peace and Security.’
The Security Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.
Its 15 permanent members are tasked with ensuring international peace and security, recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly, and approving changes to the UN Charter.
The UNSC also establishes peacekeeping operations, enacts international sanctions, and authorises military actions.
At the Summit, Nigeria’s Defence Minister Badaru, in his address highlighted Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to international peacebuilding, noting, “Nigeria has remained unequivocal in its commitment to international peacebuilding and security since the first engagement of its troops in the Congo in 1960.”
He reiterated the significant role Nigeria has played in peacekeeping efforts, saying, ““To date, Nigeria has contributed to 41 peacekeeping operations worldwide, with over two hundred thousand Nigerian troops serving in UN peacekeeping missions.”
“Under regional and sub-regional cooperation, Nigeria has been involved in peacekeeping operations in field missions in Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Liberia, Mali, Sudan, and Sierra Leone, among others, and has made significant contributions in terms of finance, logistics, troops, and civilian experts, making it one of the most significant contributors of troops and police from Africa to the United Nations missions.”
Badaru contended that these contributions warrant Nigeria and Africa a just representation on the Security Council, stating, “permanently, promoting inclusivity and enhancing global peace and security.”
He underscored the need for African nations to build professional armies capable of combating terrorism, calling for the operationalization of the African Standby Force.
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He stressed the importance of equipping African nations with the necessary resources to establish an effective counter-terrorism center of excellence.
The Defence Minister also highlighted the critical need for comprehensive strategies to address transnational crime and illegal arms trafficking, particularly in the Sahel region. “We recognise the need for Africa to build strong and professional armies to among other things, defeat terrorism.
“Nigeria calls for the operationalisation of the African Standby Force and the provision of requisite support and resources to ensure the establishment and effectiveness of a centre of excellence in Africa on counter-terrorism issues.
“We reiterate our call to strengthen regional and sub-regional cooperation, build the capacities of member states, promote collaboration and understanding, defuse tensions, and seek peaceful settlements of disputes to resolve conflicts, especially in the Middle East and Ukraine,” Badaru asserted.
Badaru reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to combating transnational organized crime, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that encompass prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement.
He warned about the alarming trend of kidnappings for ransom and acts of piracy, stating, “We must scale up our efforts.”
Furthermore, he called on the international community to intensify efforts to control the proliferation of small arms and light weapons in conflict zones, particularly in the Sahel region. He cautioned that unrestricted access to illicit arms by non-state actors exacerbates insecurity and instability, asserting, “The time for action is now.”
He continued, “We must enhance our efforts in addressing transnational organised crime and related illegal financial flows through comprehensive strategies, including prevention, early detection, protection, and law enforcement, especially in light of the emerging alliance between bandits and terrorists, including kidnapping for ransom and acts of piracy.”
“We take this opportunity to urge the international community to renew efforts to stem the tide of small arms and light weapons in conflict, especially within the Sahel region, where unfettered access by non-state actors to illicit arms and light weapons continues to foster insecurity and instability,” he said.
In conclusion, Badaru reaffirmed Nigeria’s dedication to supporting UN efforts in combating terrorism and promoting global peace, emphasizing that the need for collaborative action is more critical than ever.
