Nigeria gains support for UN Security Council seat in ECOWAS tour —Tuggar

Nigeria gains support for UN Security Council seat in ECOWAS tour —Tuggar

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

Following a successful shuttle diplomacy mission through West Africa, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has announced strong backing from several regional leaders for Nigeria’s bid to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

In a press briefing held on Thursday after the minister’s visits to Togo, Guinea Bissau, Gambia, and Côte d’Ivoire, Tuggar revealed that officials in each country acknowledged Nigeria’s unique qualifications to represent the African continent at the global level. 

“Everywhere we went, we had the opportunity to discuss and solicit support for Nigeria’s intention to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council because this is something that is hot topic at the moment and all the  countries we visited said they know there is no other country that is best suited, best qualified to speak on behalf of the continent more than Nigeria.

“They assured us of their support when the time comes. Some volunteered even to start doing that ground work right away” Tuggar stated. 

Notably, he emphasized, “The United Nations Security Council remains important because 68 percent of decisions made in the Security Council have to do with Africa, yet there is not a single African country with a permanent seat there. It’s important that Nigeria is there, not just to speak for ourselves, but for the world as a whole.”

In his remarks, Tuggar noted the significance of the United States’ recent endorsement of Africa’s right to permanent seats on the UNSC, saying, “President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration is ready to push hard for our seat, and we are getting the right response from our international partners.”

National Periscope gathered that currently, the United Nations Security Council has 15 seats, with five permanent members and ten non-permanent members:

The five permanent member countries are the victors of World War II, or their successor states, which are; China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, United States.

However, the ten non-permanent member countries are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, these are; Algeria, Ecuador, Guyana, Japan, Malta, Mozambique, Republic of Korea, Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland. 

Ambassador Tuggar further highlighted that his engagements in the region were not limited to the UNSC bid; they also focused on the candidacy of Femi Elias for a position in the International Court of Justice. Tuggar reported unanimous support from the countries visited for Nigeria’s nominee, praising the regional collaboration that is crucial for Nigeria’s international aspirations.

Throughout the shuttle, economic collaboration was also a key topic of discussion. In Togo, diplomatic conversations revolved around investment opportunities, especially in Nigeria’s fertilizer industry, leveraging Togo’s mineral wealth.

“Togo is rich in mineral resources, particularly phosphate,” Tuggar explained. “We talked about opportunities in fertilizer blending plants in Nigeria and how we can collaborate on this front.”

The minister also touched on efforts to address security challenges in Guinea Bissau, where Nigerian troops have long been stationed, confirming Nigeria’s commitment to regional peace as a mediator.

“Our soldiers have been instrumental in stabilizing the region. We assured them that Nigeria is always available to provide a mediatory platform to resolve any issues,” Tuggar remarked.

In Gambia, Tuggar emphasized Nigeria’s critical historical role in the country’s judicial system. 

“Gambia has a long relationship with Nigeria. were it not for the role that Nigeria played, Gambia would not have a functioning judiciary right now,” he stated, expressing Nigeria’s ongoing commitment to educational support through its Technical Aid Corps.

Côte d’Ivoire also emerged as a focal point of economic discussion, particularly regarding the Abidjan-Lagos transport corridor. Tuggar noted Nigeria’s strategic interests in this vital trade route and the potential for agricultural partnerships, particularly highlighting the possibility of collaborating on cashew production.

“Côte d’Ivoire is number one in the production of cashew in the world. They are ready to share their experience and technology,” Tuggar said, expressing optimism about strengthened economic ties.

This round of shuttle diplomacy marks just the beginning of Nigeria’s outreach in the region, according to Tuggar. He confirmed plans to continue these engagements post other pressing commitments.