Nigeria Seeks Finland’s Backing For UN Permanent Seat During UNGA79 Talks

Nigeria has solicited the support of Finland in its pursuit of a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council.

The request was made by Vice President Kashim Shettima during a meeting with the President of the Republic of Finland, Alexander Stubb, on the sidelines of the ongoing 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.

This was disclosed in a tweet late Tuesday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.

The VP noted that Nigeria – the most populous country in Africa, remains a super force in the continent, and would do all within its reach to close cultural links and ties in the effort to reunite the Economic Community of West African States and further leave no stone unturned in the quest to stabilise Africa, the tweet stated.

“Nigeria has 25 years of uninterrupted democracy. And in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu #officialABAT is a president with huge democratic credentials and commitment. With him in the saddle, Africa and the larger world would be safe, futuristic, acceptable and more peaceful,” Shettima said.

In his remark, the Finnish president “expressed total support for the expansion and reconstruction of the UN Security Council, saying the dictates and dynamics of the modern world demand such change.

“He expressed Finland’s continued desire to partner with Nigeria as well as opening new frontiers of development between both countries.”

The most populous country in Africa, and the world’s sixth-most populous nation, has already indicated interest in the UN’s Security Council seat following calls for reforms and expansion of the Council by some UN member countries.

Also, Shettima met the Chairperson of the African Union, Moussa  Mahamat, indicating “Nigeria’s interest in hosting the African Central Bank, maintaining that Africa has come of age to host one.

“On his part, the AU chairperson thanked Nigeria for its role in stabilising Africa, adding that the AU will continue to ensure that African stability and peace remain a priority for the body.”