During a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos on Tuesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, called for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
He also advocated for Nigeria to represent the continent on the global stage, citing the exclusion of African nations despite the fact that 60% of UNSC resolutions address African issues.
Tuggar’s remarks, delivered during the “Africa’s Momentum” session, were supported by a statement from his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, who noted that Tuggar’s advocacy came alongside critiques of policies like the UN’s Deforestation Law, which unfairly penalises African nations while failing to hold global corporations accountable.
The Foreign Minister further stressed the need for fairness in global governance and highlighted Nigeria’s strategic autonomy under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to a non-aligned foreign policy and underscored the nation’s historical contributions to African liberation movements, including its support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.
The session, moderated by Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, also featured key African leaders such as Tunisia’s Foreign Minister Mohammed Nafti, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Therese Wagner, and Uganda’s Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
The conversation focused on Africa’s growing role in global governance, with an eye on the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa.
Tuggar emphasised that the G20 Summit presented an opportunity to make a strong case for Nigeria’s inclusion in the group, citing the country’s economic size, projected population growth, and global influence.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s unique position as the only African nation with a permanent seat on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and called for a reassessment of Special Drawing Rights to help fund Africa’s energy transition.
In addition, Tuggar urged South Africa, the host of the 2025 G20 Summit, to champion a more democratic global system and support Nigeria’s efforts to secure greater representation in international forums.
As the debate continues over Africa’s place in global decision-making, Tuggar’s call for a permanent seat at the UNSC and a larger role for Nigeria in the G20 underscores the country’s strategic importance on the international stage.
