The Nigerian government has reached out to Finland to request assistance in its quest for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

Nigeria, the sixth most populous country in the world and possibly the most populous country in Africa, has already expressed interest in running for a seat on the UN Security Council in response to requests from some UN members for the Council’s reform and expansion.

In an appeal for Finland’s assistance, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima stated that Nigeria is still a major player in Africa and that it will do everything in its power to strengthen cultural ties and linkages in an attempt to bring the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) back together. Shettima also pledged to stop at nothing in her quest to stabilise the continent.

Speaking on Tuesday on the fringes of the ongoing 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, United States, Vice President Shettima said that the support has become essential given Finland’s role as a member of the European Union and NATO as well as the role Nigeria has played over the years in enforcing democratic values and peaceful cohesion. She was meeting with President Alexander Stubb of the Republic of Finland.

25 years of continuous democracy have been enjoyed by Nigeria. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the president, has a strong record of democratic dedication and qualifications. Under his leadership, peace, safety, futurity, and acceptance would prevail throughout Africa and the wider world, according to Vice President Shettima.

The requirements and dynamics of the contemporary world, according to President Stubb of Finland, demand that the UN Security Council be expanded and reorganised.

He emphasised the opening of new development frontiers and Finland’s ongoing desire to work with Nigeria.

In a related development, Vice President Shettima emphasised the necessity for peaceful cooperation and the consolidation of democracy during her meeting with Moussa Faki Mahamat, the chairperson of the African Union.

Asserting that Africa is mature enough to host an African Central Bank, the Vice President of Nigeria expressed interest in serving as its host.

The African Union chairperson praised Nigeria for its contribution to stabilising the continent and reaffirmed the AU’s commitment to making peace and security in Africa a top priority.