The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for the creation of a permanent seat for Africa at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), citing the continent’s significant population of over 1.4 billion people. Speaking at the World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva, Switzerland, Abbas emphasized the need for Africa to be represented in the global decision-making body, moving from the margins to the center of key decisions. The current five permanent members of the UNSC are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Abbas highlighted the challenges faced by Africa, including conflicts, climate change, and economic hardships. He noted that despite contributing only 4% of global emissions, Africa bears the heaviest impact of climate change, with widespread destruction and displacement. The Speaker emphasized Nigeria’s parliamentary resolve to advocate for urgent reform of the UNSC and Bretton Woods system to reflect Africa’s demographic reality. He called for cooperative multilateralism to deliver peace, justice, and inclusive prosperity for all.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, speaking on the same platform, acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing struggles with insecurity, economic hardship, and social unrest. However, he emphasized that the nation is becoming stronger and more resilient despite these challenges. Akpabio highlighted the Nigerian legislature’s efforts to drive national recovery through targeted reforms aimed at security, education, and innovation. He cited recent legislative interventions, including the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act and the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, as part of efforts to build a more secure and inclusive society.
The demand for a permanent UNSC seat for Africa is not new, with many arguing that the continent deserves greater representation in the global decision-making body. The African Union has long been advocating for reform of the UNSC to include more African voices. Abbas’s call for reform is seen as a significant step towards achieving this goal and promoting Africa’s interests on the global stage.
The World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments provides a platform for global leaders to discuss pressing issues and shape the future of international cooperation. Abbas’s demand for a permanent UNSC seat for Africa is a timely reminder of the need for greater representation and inclusivity in global decision-making processes.
