The Federal Government of Nigeria has asked for a permanent seat slot in the United Nations Security Council, as the global body celebrated 70th anniversary of its existence yesterday.

Delivering the Federal Government’s message to stakeholders at an event held to mark the anniversary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister of State, Khadijah Bukar Abba Ibrahim, said “Africa regrettably does not have a permanent seat on the Security Council despite its contribution to UN peace missions, especially the contributions of Nigeria.”

She reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to UN objectives and charter. “Nigeria’s contribution is outstanding,” she said.
On the challenge of terrorism, Ibrahim said terrorist activities all over Africa, from Mali to Nigeria, to Somalia, would be tackled better with collective international efforts. She claimed that Boko Haram has been degraded by the Nigerian armed forces and no longer control any portion of Nigerian territory, “though the Chibok girls remain unaccounted for”.

Former minister of Foreign Affairs, and erstwhile UN Under Secretary-General, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, lent his voice to the call for a permanent seat for Africa in the UN Security Council.

He wants the seat to be given to Nigeria in consideration of her contributions to about 40 UN peace missions.
Gambari noted that since 1960 when Nigeria joined the UN as the 99th member, it has contributed over 150,000 solders to the UN peace missions. According to him, Africa has contributed immensely to the UN, and therefore, demands a permanent seat at the Security Council.

As the UN begins another decade, Gambari advised that issues of environmental degradation and terrorism should be effectively tackled. “The root causes of conflicts have to be addressed”, he stated.

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, in an address delivered for the President of the UN Security Council, acknowledged Nigeria’s contrition to the global body. “Nigeria has played her part by giving some of the best troops for UN peacekeeping mission”, he said. Gambari added that conflict prevention, tackling ISIS and strengthening peace-keeping would be some of the issues that the Security Council will continue to address.

UN Resident/Humanitarian Coordinator, Jean Gough, who delivered the UN Secretary-General’s message, lamented that despite the body’s tremendous efforts in the past 70 years, the world is still battling poverty, conflicts, refugee situation and now terrorism.
“Nigeria has been a key part in helping the UN achieve its goals. Nigeria is the 5th biggest contributor to peacekeeping missions. I salute Nigeria and Nigerians”, she said.

Ban Ki Moon’s message also called on the Federal Government to speedily complete the rebuilding of the UN House in Abuja, while congratulating the country for successfully eliminating Ebola, polio and having a peaceful general election.