
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has called for Africa’s inclusion as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), emphasizing Nigeria’s qualifications to represent the continent on the global stage.
Speaking during the “Africa’s Momentum” panel discussion at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Tuggar criticized the exclusion of Africa from the UNSC, highlighting that approximately 60% of the council’s resolutions pertain to African issues.
He noted the disparity in global policies affecting Africa, citing the Deforestation Law, which penalizes African producers while overlooking the role of international corporations in driving deforestation.
Tuggar also elaborated on Nigeria’s foreign policy under President Bola Tinubu, stating it prioritizes strategic autonomy and a nonalignment principle in global relations.
The panel, moderated by Chatham House Director Bronwen Maddox, included notable African leaders such as Tunisian Foreign Minister Mohammed Ali Nafti, Democratic Republic of Congo’s Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, and Ugandan Finance Minister Matia Kasaija.
Discussions centered on Africa’s role in global governance and the significance of the upcoming G20 Summit in South Africa.
Tuggar seized the opportunity to advocate for Nigeria’s inclusion in the G20, emphasizing the country’s historical contributions to Africa’s liberation, its reputation as a non-threatening power, and its robust technical aid programmes.
“Nigeria has always championed Africa’s cause, earning goodwill and leveraging its soft power globally,” he said, referencing the country’s support for South Africa during its apartheid struggle.
Nigeria, Tuggar the Minister noted, is the only African nation with a permanent seat in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council and has a history of resolving boundary disputes amicably. This, he argued, underscores Nigeria’s suitability to lead Africa on the global stage.
On the G20 platform, Tuggar outlined Nigeria’s priorities, including revisiting Special Drawing Rights to fund Africa’s energy transition and advocating for fairer global tax reforms initiated by African nations at the UN. He also urged developed nations to fulfill technology transfer commitments made during the Rio Summit.
“The G20 Summit in South Africa presents a chance for Africa to push for a more democratic, representative global system,” Tuggar remarked, expressing optimism that South Africa would support Nigeria’s case.
Tuggar concluded by underscoring Nigeria’s growing population, economic strength, and potential to rise as the third most populous country by 2050.
He emphasized that Africa should be seen as a diverse continent of 54 nations, not a monolith, and that Nigeria’s observer status at the G20 signals its readiness for greater global representation.