Top 10 Highlights From Tinubu’s UNGA 81 Speech Delivered By VP Shettima

1. Nigeria Demands Two Permanent UN Security Council Seats For Africa

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu demanded at least two permanent seats for Africa on the United Nations Security Council, including veto rights for as long as the veto exists, alongside five non-permanent seats.

2. Tinubu Calls For UN Security Council Reform

Tinubu said the world of 2026 cannot remain captive to the distribution of power in 1945, stressing the need to reconstitute the Security Council to reflect contemporary global realities.

3. Nigeria Rejects False Choice Between Development And Climate Action

The President called for developing countries to industrialise, eradicate poverty and expand energy access through low-carbon pathways supported by technology transfer, capacity building and climate finance.

4. Nigeria Targets Net-Zero Emissions By 2060

Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060 through renewable energy, clean cooking, gas as a transitional fuel, climate-smart agriculture and nature-based solutions.

5. Tinubu Calls For Responsible Use Of Artificial Intelligence

The President urged the international community to direct artificial intelligence towards healthcare, education, agriculture, governance and economic productivity rather than warfare and destruction.

6. Nigeria Seeks International Support For AI And Digital Innovation

Tinubu invited the world to collaborate with Nigeria’s young people in advancing AI, highlighting investments in digital public infrastructure, broadband connectivity, innovation ecosystems and research institutions.

7. Tinubu Calls For Reform of Global Financial Architecture

The President advocated wider access to concessional financing, debt sustainability frameworks that recognise developmental needs and innovative financing mechanisms to support developing countries.

8. Tinubu Highlights AfCFTA As A Driver Of African Industrialisation

Tinubu said the African Continental Free Trade Area can strengthen regional value chains, expand intra-African trade, promote industrialisation and help Africa move from raw material exports to value-added manufacturing and technological innovation.

9. Tinubu Calls For Stronger International Cooperation Against Insecurity

The President urged countries to strengthen intelligence sharing, combat terrorism financing, prevent cross-border weapons trafficking and address the underlying causes of insecurity, including poverty, exclusion and weak governance.

10. Tinubu Demands Diplomatic Solutions to Conflicts And Protection Of Civilians

Tinubu called for urgent diplomacy to address conflicts in Sudan and other war-torn countries, insisting on the protection of civilians, humanitarian access and compliance with international humanitarian and human rights law.