Nigeria Will Secure UN Security Council Seat – Jimoh Ibrahim
...Says Tinubu's Absence at UNGA Did Not Hurt Nigeria's Interests
Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Jimoh Ibrahim, has expressed confidence that Nigeria will secure a seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Ibrahim stated this on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, while speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he also defended President Bola Tinubu’s absence from the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
He noted that Nigeria’s growing involvement in the affairs of the United Nations demonstrates the country’s increasing diplomatic influence.
He pointed out that Nigeria currently occupies key positions within the UN system, including the chairmanship of the organisation’s budget and administrative committee, while also playing a role in peacekeeping.
Ibrahim said that Nigeria was also preparing to assume the chairmanship of the African Group at the United Nations in December.
On Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the Security Council, the ambassador affirmed that the country had been actively pursuing the objective and expressed certainty about its success.
“We are going to get that,” Ibrahim said, adding that Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts were being driven by “influence, interests, and politics.”
He also disclosed that Nigeria was seeking greater representation for Africa within the UN system, arguing that the country’s diplomatic engagements were aimed at advancing its interests.
Addressing concerns over Tinubu’s absence from the UNGA, Ibrahim stated that the President’s decision did not prevent Nigeria from effectively participating in the gathering.
He mentioned that Vice President Kashim Shettima represented the President, delivered Nigeria’s statement and participated in numerous bilateral engagements during the UNGA week.
Ibrahim further revealed that the Nigerian delegation held about 35 bilateral meetings and worked extensively on issues concerning the country.
He equally defended Nigeria’s prominent seating position at the General Assembly, saying the country retained a front-row position despite Tinubu’s absence.
The ambassador argued that the President did not need to travel to New York solely to deliver a 15-minute address when several countries were represented by vice presidents or foreign ministers.
He maintained that Nigeria remained active at the UN despite the President’s absence, saying the country was “back to the United Nations.”
Ibrahim declared that the UN would work with Nigeria on border security and stability, particularly in addressing security challenges linked to porous borders.
He reiterated that UN peacekeeping would support Nigeria where necessary, including through financial and material assistance, while Nigeria would also be encouraged to deploy more police personnel to UN peacekeeping operations.
