United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Nigeria to take the lead in Africa’s campaign for a restructured global governance system, describing the country as strategically positioned to guide the continent toward superpower status.
Guterres commended the economic transformation initiatives of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, while also acknowledging Nigeria’s pivotal role in supporting stability across the Sahel and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, despite grappling with its own internal security concerns.
The UN chief made these remarks on Friday during a high-level bilateral engagement with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the margins of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Nigeria’s Strategic Position in a Changing World
During the discussions, Guterres highlighted Nigeria’s demographic advantage, democratic stability, abundant natural and human capital, and consistent commitment to multilateral cooperation as key factors that distinguish the country within Africa.
“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres was quoted as saying in a statement issued by Shettima’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.
The meeting also examined Nigeria’s domestic progress and its expanding influence in fostering peace and regional cooperation across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres applauded what he described as bold and far-reaching reforms under President Tinubu, noting that Nigeria’s economic restructuring efforts and security engagements have enhanced its standing on the continent.
Strengthening Nigeria–UN Collaboration
Talks between both leaders centred on deepening collaboration between Nigeria and the United Nations in advancing shared priorities such as global economic growth, peacebuilding, sustainable development, and coordinated humanitarian assistance across Africa.
In his response, Vice President Shettima expressed appreciation for Guterres’ leadership in promoting international peace and stability, noting that Africa has gained significantly from his stewardship of the UN, even as the organisation undergoes internal reforms.
“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” Shettima said.
He reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding advocacy for comprehensive reform of the UN system to better reflect present-day global realities. According to the Vice President, Africa deserves stronger representation in global decision-making bodies, and Nigeria merits a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Both parties pledged to intensify cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s continued support for Nigeria’s reform-driven agenda and its expanding leadership role in advancing peace, security, and development across Africa.
What you should know
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s push for a reformed global order, citing its population size, democratic stability, and vast resources.
Speaking at the 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa, Guterres praised President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and Nigeria’s role in stabilising West Africa and the Sahel.
Vice President Kashim Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and called for UN reforms, including a permanent Security Council seat for Nigeria.
Both leaders pledged stronger Nigeria–UN cooperation on peace, security, and development initiatives across Africa.
