Nigeria Must Lead Africa’s New Global Order – Guterres Tells Shettima

United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, has urged Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s campaign for a restructured global order, positioning the country as a strategic driver of continental influence and economic transformation.

Guterres made the call during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The UN chief commended Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity, and vast natural and human resources, describing the country as uniquely placed to lead Africa in the evolving global architecture. He also praised the economic reforms under President Bola Tinubu, noting that bold fiscal restructuring and security commitments have strengthened Nigeria’s continental standing.

Guterres further acknowledged Nigeria’s stabilisation efforts across the Sahel and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region, despite domestic security challenges.

Discussions between both leaders focused on deepening Nigeria–UN cooperation in global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development, and coordinated humanitarian response across Africa.

In his remarks, Shettima reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism and reiterated the country’s longstanding demand for comprehensive reform of the United Nations system. He stressed that Africa must secure stronger representation in global decision-making structures, including a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Both leaders pledged to strengthen collaboration, with the UN reaffirming support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and expanding leadership role across the continent.