Nigeria has solicited Finland’s support in its bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, made this appeal during a meeting with President Alexander Stubb of Finland on the sidelines of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States.
Vice President Shettima highlighted Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and its commitment to fostering democratic values, urging Finland to back Nigeria’s quest for a seat on the UN Security Council.
He emphasized Nigeria’s democratic achievements, including 25 years of uninterrupted democracy, and President Bola Tinubu’s dedication to global peace and stability.
“Nigeria remains a super force in Africa,” Shettima stated, affirming the country’s intention to strengthen ties with Finland and reunite the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in pursuit of a stable and united Africa.
President Stubb expressed Finland’s support for expanding the Security Council to reflect modern global dynamics. He also reiterated Finland’s interest in developing new partnerships with Nigeria.
In a separate meeting with African Union (AU) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat, Vice President Shettima called for the consolidation of democracy across Africa.
He also proposed Nigeria as the host of the African Central Bank, signalling the continent’s readiness for such a step.
The AU Chairperson praised Nigeria’s efforts to stabilize the region and assured that peace and stability would remain top priorities for the African Union.
Meanwhile, in a landmark event that marks a new chapter in Nigeria-China relations, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, recently chaired the inaugural China-Nigeria Economic Cooperation and Trade Conference.
The conference, held alongside the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, reaffirmed both countries’ commitment to deepening bilateral ties, fostering sustainable development, and driving economic growth.
During his keynote address, Mr Edun highlighted the importance of South-South cooperation in achieving Nigeria’s sustainable development goals.
