Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Hon. Oluwole Oke, has called on lawmakers across the Global South to back Nigeria’s quest for a permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).
Oke made the appeal yesterday while addressing delegates at the 2025 Global South Legislators Forum for Friendly Exchanges in Urumqi, China.
He said Nigeria’s reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration—particularly in ease of doing business and tax administration—have positioned the country as a strong candidate for a greater role in global governance.
The lawmaker also urged Chinese investors to explore opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation, energy and agriculture sectors, which he described as critical growth areas.
“The reforms show Nigeria is ready to play a bigger role in global governance. We need the support of our partners for our Security Council ambition,” Oke said.
He stressed that South–South cooperation must transcend politics to include economic development, technology transfer, climate action, and prosperity for all member nations. According to him, the spirit of mutual respect, fair benefits, and open borders should guide engagement among Global South countries.
Recalling the 1955 Bandung Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77, Oke noted that the Global South has evolved into a formidable bloc shaping world trade and diplomacy. He pointed to the expansion of BRICS, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and vaccine partnerships between India, Brazil, and Africa as milestones of such cooperation.
However, he warned that trade imbalances, rising debt burdens, and technology gaps continue to pose challenges. “Executives may sign agreements, but without parliamentary oversight, sustainability is doubtful,” he cautioned.
Oke urged legislators to use the Urumqi forum to strengthen parliamentary solidarity, align policies, and deepen cooperation.
“Our task is clear — to transform parliamentary friendship into a force for shared prosperity,” he added.
