Hours after Nigeria’s image at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) suffered a blow, Bola Tinubu renewed his call for comprehensive reforms of the United Nations Security Council, insisting that Nigeria and one other African country deserve permanent representation, including veto powers.

Speaking at the plenary session on peace and stability during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) in Yokohama, Japan, Tinubu argued that Africa deserves two permanent seats with full privileges.

Tinubu said the continent also deserves additional non-permanent seats in line with the Ezulwini consensus and Sirte declaration.

Bola Tinubu at TICAD9

“It is the view of Nigeria that Africa’s quest for fair and equitable representation in the UN Security Council is a just and fair demand,” Tinubu said.

“Indeed, Africa deserves two seats in the permanent category, with all its prerogatives and privileges, including the right of veto. Africa also deserves additional seats in the non-permanent seat category of the Security Council.”

Tinubu stressed that inclusivity, diversity, and the rule of law remain Africa’s greatest strengths, and urged world leaders to embrace fresh thinking in the quest for peace and stability.

His call came when Nigeria’s image at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) suffered a blow after its booth was left unmanned on opening day, sparking outrage, ridicule and citizen intervention, and fuelling criticism of government inefficiency on the global stage. 

While other African countries actively engaged delegates, no government officials were found around Nigeria’s booth, a situation that generated concerns among some private sector participants from the country, who stepped in to prevent further embarrassment.