Guterres urges Nigeria to lead Africa’s push for new global order, backs UN security seat bid at 39th AU Summit in Addis Ababa

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has called on Nigeria to lead Africa’s drive for a restructured global order, hailing the country as uniquely positioned to propel the continent toward superpower status.

Guterres made the remarks Friday during a high-level bilateral meeting with Vice President Kashim Shettima on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit here in Ethiopia’s capital, according to a statement by VP’s media aide, Stanley Nkwocha.

Praising President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms and Nigeria’s stabilising role in the Sahel and ECOWAS regions—despite its own security hurdles—Guterres spotlighted Nigeria’s strengths.

“Given Nigeria’s demographic strength, democratic continuity and deep resource base, the country stands a real chance of leading Africa to becoming the next superpower in the evolving global architecture,” Guterres said.

The talks between both leaders covered Nigeria’s expanding leadership in West Africa, UN collaboration on economic growth, peace, security, sustainable development, and humanitarian efforts across the continent.

Guterres lauded Tinubu’s “remarkable and outstanding reforms”, crediting them with boosting Nigeria’s continental influence.

Vice President Shettima, in response, thanked Guterres for his global peace leadership, noting Africa’s gains during his tenure amid UN internal changes.

“We remain committed to multilateralism and to deepening our partnerships with the United Nations and other global institutions,” VP Shettima said.

Shettima renewed Nigeria’s push for UN reform, demanding Africa’s stronger voice in global decisions and a permanent Nigerian seat on the Security Council.

Both leaders vowed deeper ties, with Guterres reaffirming UN backing for Nigeria’s reforms and its rising role in African peace, security, and development.