Nigeria and the United Nations Reforms

Nigeria became the 99th member of the United Nations General Assembly, eight days after her independence in 1960. Nigeria has since 1960 been a prominent member of the international community and has continued to play a very active role in global governance in different international organizations and bodies such as the Commonwealth, the Non-aligned Movement, etc. At the continental level, Nigeria has played a leading role in governance in Africa. It is a founding member and the powerhouse of the Organization of African Unity, which has etamorphosed into African Union. Nigeria’s record in peacekeeping in African is unmatched by that of any other country in the continent. This background informs Nigeria quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. This quest is timely. This is because reform is now inevitable for United Nations. At its present form, the Security Council is the exclusive preserve of the so-called great powers. It is now time for United Nations to adapt to emerging geo- political and geo-strategic changes in the world. This will help in correcting the injustices of the past and make the United Nation truly representative and relevant to current global realities. This paper gives an overview of the need for United Nations Reform. It also examines the Nigeria quest for a permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council. The problems involved in this quest are highlighted and suggestions are made on how Nigeria can achieve this great feat.