By Peter Omopo
Vice President has held high-level bilateral talks with , Secretary-General of the , on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Shettima, who represented President at the summit, was accompanied to the meeting by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. Also present was the UN Deputy Secretary-General, .
During the meeting, Guterres called on Nigeria to spearhead Africa’s push for a restructured global order, describing the country as uniquely positioned to lead the continent toward greater global influence.
He praised the economic reforms of the Tinubu administration and Nigeria’s leadership role in stabilising the Sahel and ECOWAS regions, despite facing domestic security challenges.
According to the UN chief, Nigeria’s large population, sustained democratic governance, vast natural and human resources, and longstanding commitment to multilateralism place it in a strong position to shape Africa’s role in the evolving global order.
The talks also covered key developments in Nigeria and the country’s expanding role in promoting regional stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
Guterres commended what he described as bold economic restructuring and security commitments under the current administration, noting that they have strengthened Nigeria’s continental standing.
Discussions further focused on enhancing Nigeria–UN collaboration in advancing global economic growth, peace and security, sustainable development and coordinated humanitarian response efforts across Africa.
In his remarks, Shettima thanked the UN Secretary-General for his leadership in promoting global peace and acknowledged Africa’s gains during his tenure, even as the United Nations undergoes internal reforms.
The Vice President reiterated Nigeria’s longstanding call for comprehensive reform of the UN system to reflect current global realities, stressing the need for stronger African representation in global decision-making bodies.
He also declared that Nigeria deserves a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
Both leaders pledged to deepen cooperation, with Guterres reaffirming the UN’s support for Nigeria’s reform agenda and its growing leadership role in advancing peace, security and development across the continent.
