By Tony Ezike
Distinguished Senator Uche Lilian Ekwunife, the Anambra APC Deputy Governorship Candidate has backed Nigeria’s renewed bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council during the ongoing 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York. The veteran lawmaker, known for her advocacy on gender equality and national development, described the initiative as a “long-overdue step toward equitable global representation for Africa’s most populous nation.”
Speaking to reporters in Abuja, Senator Ekwunife emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role in regional stability and peacekeeping, arguing that a permanent seat would amplify Africa’s voice in international decision-making.
“Nigeria has carried the weight of Africa’s voice in global affairs for decades from peace efforts in West Africa to our sustained commitment to multilateralism. A permanent seat for Nigeria is not a privilege; it is a rightful recognition of responsibility already shouldered,” she said.
“Nigeria has consistently proven itself as a stabilizing force in West Africa and beyond, contributing troops to over 40 UN peacekeeping missions since 1960,” she stated. “Denying us a permanent seat undermines the credibility of the UN itself. It’s time for reform that reflects today’s realities, not the post-World War II world.”
Ekwunife emphasized that Nigeria’s bid is not just a national aspiration but a continental one. “Africa remains the only region without permanent representation on the Council. Nigeria, with its historical leadership in the African Union and its peacekeeping record, is well-positioned to fill that gap,” she added.
Her endorsement comes amid heightened discussions on UN institutional reforms, including the Secretary-General’s July 18, 2025, initiative for enhanced efficiency and inclusivity.
The senator’s comments align with President Bola Tinubu’s address delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the UNGA’s general debate on Wednesday, where Nigeria reiterated its demand for a permanent seat as part of broader Security Council expansion efforts.
Shettima, representing Tinubu, highlighted Nigeria’s economic strides under the current administration, including a projected 7% annual growth rate anchored in infrastructure and macroeconomic stability, positioning the country as a hub for the African Continental Free Trade Area’s $3.4 trillion market.
In a separate but related commendation, Senator Ekwunife hailed Vice President Shettima for what she called a “productive and impactful outing” at the UNGA. She praised his multifaceted engagements, including bilateral meetings with leaders like Namibia’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah, participation in roundtables on critical minerals development chaired by Nigeria’s Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dele Alake, and advocacy for fairer global taxation conventions.
“The Vice President’s diplomacy has not only advanced our UN bid but also marketed Nigeria’s $200 billion energy transition opportunity to global investors,” Ekwunife noted. “From announcing updated Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement to hosting investment forums, this outing reinforces Nigeria’s emergence as Africa’s economic powerhouse.”
Senator Ekwunife, the Anambra Apc Deputy Governorship Candidate and former Senator representating Anambra Central has long championed institutional reforms. Her support underscores growing domestic consensus on the UN bid, transcending party lines.
With the UNGA still underway, all eyes are on potential breakthroughs in reform talks. Nigeria’s delegation remains optimistic, with Shettima scheduled for additional bilateral engagements before departing for Frankfurt to discuss economic partnerships with Deutsche Bank.
