GENEVA, SWITZERLAND — Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for the establishment of a permanent seat for Africa at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), arguing that the continent’s 1.4 billion-strong population justifies its inclusion at the highest level of global decision-making.
Abbas made the appeal while addressing the ongoing World Conference of Speakers of Parliaments in Geneva. He said Africa must move “from the margins to the centre” of international politics and governance, noting that the continent continues to bear the brunt of global crises.
“For years, there has been a clamour for Africa to be represented at the UNSC, a body that wields enormous influence on global peace and security,” Abbas stated. “Nigeria’s parliamentary resolve extends to global advocacy. We call for urgent reform of the UNSC and the Bretton Woods system to reflect Africa’s demographic reality.”
The UNSC currently has five permanent members — China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States — none of which represent Africa.
Abbas also highlighted Africa’s vulnerability to a range of global challenges, from armed conflicts to climate change. He cited crises such as the conflicts in Sudan, military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, as well as environmental disasters like desertification and flooding — despite the continent contributing only four percent of global carbon emissions.
“Conflicts displace millions, and economic hardships force half of Nigeria’s population into poverty,” he said. “Yet we continue to advocate for multilateral cooperation that ensures peace, justice, and inclusive prosperity.”
Akpabio: Nigeria Rising Through Challenges
Also speaking at the global gathering, Nigeria’s Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, praised the country’s resilience in the face of persistent challenges ranging from insecurity to economic difficulties.
“I come from a nation that has endured fire and risen from ashes,” Akpabio declared. “In the furnace of turmoil, we are becoming stronger, wiser, and more determined to build a greater nation.”
He acknowledged the continuing battle against terrorism, poverty, and armed violence but stressed that Nigeria is not defined by its struggles but by its determination to overcome them.
Akpabio pointed to ongoing legislative reforms as a key part of Nigeria’s recovery strategy. He mentioned the enactment of key laws such as the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act, the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, and the Out-of-School Children Education Act as part of efforts to create a more secure, educated, and inclusive society.
The remarks by both presiding officers of Nigeria’s National Assembly reflect a dual message of international advocacy for Africa’s place in global governance and domestic resolve to confront national challenges with legislative tools and resilience.
