Since 1960, Nigeria has made significant contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations worldwide, beginning with the deployment of its first contingent of individual police officers to the UN Mission in the Congo, led by Assistant Commissioner of Police Louis Edet. Through these operations, Nigeria has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to maintaining global peace and security, often at a great cost. Many of its gallant officers have paid the ultimate price, while others have sustained life-altering injuries.
During the military era, particularly under General Ibrahim Babangida’s leadership, Nigeria played a pivotal role in regional stability through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group. This intervention was crucial in Liberia, where Nigeria’s troops formed the backbone of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) from 2003 to 2018, successfully restoring security in a nation torn apart by civil war.
Beyond Liberia, Nigeria has participated in peacekeeping operations across many African nations, including Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia, Mali, Sudan, Sierra Leone, Mozambique, Somalia, Rwanda, and Burundi. The Nigerian government has contributed significantly in terms of finance, logistics, and civilian expertise. Internationally, Nigerian police have taken part in operations in Western Sahara, Cambodia, Yugoslavia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, East Timor, Haiti, Kosovo, and Afghanistan.
Nigeria’s engagement transcends mere peacekeeping; the nation has also been instrumental in stabilizing and strengthening democracy across Africa. A notable example is former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s involvement in restoring democratic order in São Tomé and Príncipe after a military coup in 2003. Obasanjo and other international leaders intervened to rein in the military junta and facilitated the return of the ousted President Fradique de Menezes.
Similarly, Nigeria played a crucial role in the peaceful transition of power in The Gambia when former President Yahya Jammeh refused to concede defeat in the elections. President Bola Tinubu’s private plane was used to evacuate Jammeh, ensuring a return to constitutional order.
Given Nigeria’s considerable contributions to maintaining global peace and enhancing democracy, the recent demand for a permanent seat for Africa on the UN Security Council is timely and well-founded. Nigeria’s presentation at the 79th session of the UN General Assembly (UNGA79) underscored this request, highlighting the nation’s unparalleled commitment in terms of human and material resources.
Vice President Kashim Shettima led Nigeria’s delegation at UNGA79, representing President Tinubu, who remained at home to address pressing domestic issues—a commendable decision, marking the first time a Nigerian president has done so since 1999. Shettima, resplendent in traditional attire, articulated the need for reform in the Security Council to enhance the UN’s credibility and relevance in a rapidly changing world.
In his address, he stated: “Reform of the Security Council is critical if the UN is to strengthen its relevance and credibility in our rapidly changing world. Some permanent members of the United Nations Security Council have offered encouraging, if tentative, indications of support on the issue of reform of the Council. We welcome the change in tone and urge acceleration in momentum to the process.”
He emphasized that the Security Council should reflect the world’s diversity and plurality, advocating for Africa’s rightful place in the permanent membership category, alongside other nations with similar rights and responsibilities.
As Nigeria continues to champion the cause for an African seat at the UN Security Council, it reinforces the continent’s commitment to peace and security, ensuring that African voices are heard and respected in global affairs.