“Africa Deserves A Voice — Tinubu Pushes For Two UN Security Council Seats”

Tinubu Urges Japan to Back Africa’s Bid for UN Security Council Seats, Highlights Nigeria’s Reforms at TICAD9

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Japan to support Africa’s longstanding demand for reform of the United Nations Security Council, insisting that the continent deserves at least two permanent seats—with full privileges including veto power.

According to iReporter Online, Tinubu made the call on Wednesday while addressing global leaders at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan.

He emphasized that Nigeria’s position aligns with the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration, both of which push for equitable African representation in the UN’s most powerful body.

“Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is not only just—it is necessary. We deserve two seats in the Permanent Category, with all the rights and responsibilities, including the veto,” Tinubu stated.

He also advocated for additional non-permanent seats for African nations and underlined the importance of technology as a unifying tool to promote peace, cooperation, and development across borders.

$5.5 Billion in Japanese Support for Africa

Meanwhile, according to iReporter Online, Japan has pledged a $5.5 billion support package for African development, to be administered in collaboration with the African Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba made the announcement at the summit, stressing Tokyo’s commitment to private-sector-driven growth, youth and women empowerment, and regional integration.

Nigeria’s Push for Peace and Stability

At a plenary session focused on peace and stability, President Tinubu praised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their resilience in confronting insurgency and criminality.

He assured participants that his administration is addressing the root causes of insecurity through institutional reforms, improved governance, and economic empowerment.

“Our armed forces have fought gallantly. But true justice to their sacrifice comes when governments are courageous enough to tackle not only the terrorists, but the causes of terrorism,” Tinubu noted.

He stressed that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Nigeria’s pillars of strength, and he cited recent peace-building successes in Congo as proof that linking mediation with economic incentives can yield sustainable peace.

“We must rethink our approaches. Mediators who tie peace outcomes to investment have helped make lasting progress in Congo. It’s a model worth replicating,” he said.

Cooperation Over Aid

As reported by iReporter Online, Tinubu reiterated Nigeria’s preference for partnerships over handouts, urging developed nations to engage with Africa through trade, investment, and innovation.

Prime Minister Ishiba, on his part, expressed concern over Japan’s shrinking population and agricultural land, and appealed to African countries for deeper cooperation. He commended Africa’s youthful population as a unique asset that could transform the global economy—if supported by robust industrialisation.

“Africa must not leap over industrialisation. To unleash the potential of young Africans, we must support the creation of a strong manufacturing base,” Ishiba said.

He further underscored that local solutions and mutual understanding are key to Africa’s sustainable growth, adding that Japan is committed to co-creating solutions with African partners rather than prescribing them.

”IREPORTER REPORTS”