Addis Ababa, February 16, 2026 – The Europe Today: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s efforts toward a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to elevate the continent’s global influence.
Guterres expressed strong support for Nigeria’s aspiration to secure a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, according to Nigeria’s state-run Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria.
The remarks were made during a high-level bilateral meeting with Nigeria’s Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The UN chief praised the economic reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration and commended Nigeria’s leadership role in promoting stability in the Sahel region and within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), despite the country’s own security challenges.
Guterres noted that Nigeria’s status as Africa’s most populous nation, its sustained democratic governance, abundant natural and human resources, and strong commitment to multilateralism place it in a strategic position to champion Africa’s interests in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
Vice President Shettima, in turn, expressed appreciation for Guterres’ efforts to advance global peace and sustainable development. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateral cooperation and deeper engagement with the United Nations.
Shettima also reiterated Nigeria’s call for comprehensive UN reforms that reflect contemporary global realities, stressing the importance of enhanced African representation, including the granting of a permanent Security Council seat to Nigeria.
