Guterres Calls on Nigeria to Steer Africa's Initiative for a New Global Framework

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, has called on Nigeria to assume a pivotal role in Africa’s quest for a restructured global order, highlighting the country's strategic position to enhance the continent's global influence.

His remarks were made during a significant bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 39th African Union (AU) Summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The UN chief applauded the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu’s administration and acknowledged Nigeria’s leading role in stabilizing the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite the country grappling with its own security issues.

Guterres pointed out Nigeria's demographic strength, its commitment to democracy, extensive natural and human resources, and its historical devotion to multilateralism, all of which provide the country with a strategic advantage in shaping the continent’s future impact on global matters.

“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic stability, and rich resource endowment, the country stands a substantial chance of guiding Africa towards becoming the next superpower within the changing global landscape,” he stated.

The focus of the meeting was to enhance the partnership between Nigeria and the UN in promoting global economic growth, ensuring peace and security, fostering sustainable development, and coordinating humanitarian responses throughout Africa.

In response, Vice President Shettima expressed gratitude towards the UN Secretary-General for his efforts in fostering global peace and reiterated Nigeria’s dedication to multilateralism.

He emphasized Nigeria’s longstanding advocacy for a comprehensive reform of the UN system to better reflect the shifting realities of the world, stressing the necessity for stronger African representation in global decision-making processes.

Shettima asserted that Nigeria is deserving of a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.

Both leaders committed to enhancing their collaborative efforts, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform ambitions and its growing leadership in advancing peace, security, and development across the African continent.