U.S. pledges to enhance Nigeria’s influence at UN Security Council, G20

By : Guardian Nigeria

Date: 1 May 2024 4:10am WAT

FILE - National Security Council coordinator for Indo-Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell testifies during his confirmation hearing to become Deputy Secretary of State on Capitol Hill, Dec. 7, 2023, in Washington. On Feb. 6, 2024, Senators have confirmed the veteran of U.S.-Asian engagement and security as the State Department's second-ranking diplomat. (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

Kurt Campbell (AP Photo/Mariam Zuhaib, File)

The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Kurt Campbell, has emphasised the commitment of the U.S. to initiate a dedicated dialogue with Nigeria to bolster its presence in international forums.

Campbell disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday at the 6th Session of the Nigeria-US Bi-National Commission. He affirmed U.S. efforts to support Nigeria’s aspirations to join the United Nations Security Council, the G20, and other global bodies, aiming to amplify African voices on the global stage.

The UN Security Council is empowered to impose binding obligations on the 193 UN member states to maintain peace. The Security Council has five permanent members – the U.S., China, France, Russia, and the United Kingdom.

Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar in October 2023 said it was time for Nigeria to be a member of the UN Security Council. However, Campbell reiterated U.S. unwavering support for Nigeria in pursuing these goals.