Vice President Kashim Shettima has highlighted the critical need for reform in the United Nations (UN), particularly regarding Africa's exclusion from permanent membership in the UN Security Council. Speaking during a meeting with UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed at the 81st UN General Assembly in New York, Shettima stated that this exclusion undermines the legitimacy and fairness of global governance.

Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to supporting urgent reforms within the UN, asserting that the country aims to be a reliable partner in fostering international cooperation to address pressing global issues such as hunger, violence, and exclusion. He commended UN Secretary-General António Guterres for advocating a more representative Security Council and for his acknowledgment that a Council without permanent African representation is both "unjust and indefensible."

The Vice President emphasized that Africa should not be burdened with the responsibilities of the international order while being denied a significant role in shaping it. He stressed that global decisions must reflect the current geopolitical landscape and demographic realities, advocating for a more inclusive approach to international governance.

In his remarks, Shettima praised Guterres for his unwavering support of international law and human dignity, particularly in light of escalating global conflicts and geopolitical tensions. He noted the importance of maintaining a focus on the human consequences of war and instability, urging that the plight of individuals affected by conflict should never be reduced to mere statistics in diplomatic discussions.

Shettima also expressed gratitude towards Amina Mohammed for her contributions to multilateral diplomacy and sustainable development, recognizing her service as a source of national pride for Nigeria. He reiterated Nigeria's dedication to restoring trust among nations and ensuring that all regions have a meaningful voice in global decision-making processes.

The Vice President's delegation included several prominent figures, such as Governors Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, Hyacinth Alia of Benue State, Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, and Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State, along with Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the country's Permanent Representative to the UN, Amb. Jimoh Ibrahim. Together, they reinforced Nigeria's position on the need for reform within the UN system to enhance its credibility and responsiveness to human suffering worldwide.