Guterres Calls on Nigeria to Spearhead Africa’s Global Influence

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Nigeria to take a leading role in Africa’s quest for a restructured global order. During a high-level meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Guterres highlighted Nigeria’s unique position to enhance the continent’s global influence.

Guterres praised the economic reforms initiated by President Bola Tinubu and acknowledged Nigeria’s significant efforts in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing persistent security challenges. He emphasized that Nigeria’s demographic strength, commitment to democracy, vast natural resources, and dedication to multilateralism provide a strategic advantage for the nation in shaping Africa’s future role in international affairs.

“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity, and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres stated. This assertion underlines the potential impact Nigeria could have on the continent’s position in the world.

Strengthening Collaboration for Global Challenges

The discussions between Guterres and Shettima focused on enhancing collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations, particularly in areas such as economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and coordinated humanitarian responses throughout Africa. Vice President Shettima expressed gratitude for Guterres’ leadership in promoting global peace and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism.

“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” Shettima affirmed. He also underscored Nigeria’s longstanding advocacy for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system to reflect the changing dynamics of the global landscape. The Vice President insisted that Africa must have a stronger voice in global decision-making processes.

In a significant assertion, Shettima declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council. This call reflects Nigeria’s ambition to play a pivotal role in international governance.

Both leaders pledged to enhance cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its expanding leadership role in promoting peace, security, and development across the African continent. The meeting signifies a crucial step toward fostering a more influential African presence on the global stage, with Nigeria positioned at the forefront of this movement.