By Chioma Favour
📍New Delhi, India | Media360Impact Report
Nigeria has renewed its call for urgent reforms of global governance institutions, insisting that Africa must be given permanent representation on the United Nations Security Council.
Speaking at the 18th BRICS Foreign Ministers Meeting in New Delhi, India, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, said the current global system no longer reflects present-day realities and must be restructured to serve all nations fairly.
Addressing delegates at the high-level meeting on Thursday, Ahmed stated that Nigeria was prepared to represent Africa’s interests on the UN Security Council with “integrity, balance, and strength.”
He noted that the world is currently facing major challenges including geopolitical tensions, economic instability, climate change, terrorism, food insecurity, and disruptions in global supply chains.
According to him, BRICS has emerged as a strong platform for the Global South, promoting a more inclusive and multipolar world order based on sovereign equality, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.
The Nigerian delegation stressed the need for stronger multilateral institutions and wider representation of developing countries in global decision-making processes, especially within the United Nations and international financial institutions.
Ahmed also warned that geopolitical fragmentation and economic rivalry were weakening trust among nations and threatening collective global action.
He said Africa, with over 1.4 billion people, could no longer remain excluded from permanent representation at the UN Security Council, describing the situation as “unjustifiable and unsustainable.”
The Permanent Secretary further highlighted reforms being implemented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying they were aimed at strengthening democracy, diversifying Nigeria’s economy, improving security, and empowering citizens.
He added that Nigeria’s efforts align with BRICS’ vision for a fairer global system, inclusive representation, and stronger South-South cooperation.
Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peacekeeping, democracy, sustainable development, and regional integration through organisations such as the United Nations, African Union, ECOWAS, and BRICS.
He concluded by calling for unity among nations to build a global governance system that promotes peace, fairness, inclusiveness, and sustainable progress for all countries.
