Nigeria Lands Security Council Seat

{{Foreign relations experts in Nigeria have hailed the country’s election to the non-permanent seat of the UN Security Council for the 2014-2015 term.}}

Prof Saleh Dauda described the election as a reflection of Nigeria’s return to the world stage as a regional power in Africa.

Dauda, a professor of political science and international relations at the University of Abuja, told Xinhua he expected the country to seize the opportunity and contribute more to international peace and security.

“Nigeria’s election is testimony that we are regaining our rightful place in international relations and this is attributable to improved image of Nigeria due to improvements in internal domestic issues,” he said.

“There is respect for human rights now in the country, stable polity and there is a growing influence of Nigeria in the international systems.

“Although the election will not solve our internal problems, it can improve our internal affairs and enhance the credibility of Nigerians who travel abroad,” he said.

“We should be able to articulate African problems with a view to attracting international support on issues such as desertification, HIV, malaria, stable governance and terrorism,” he added. Former Nigerian ambassador to Saudi Arabia Mogaji Mohammed said the election would enhance Nigeria’s credibility, and enable the country play a more active role in international security.

Mr Mohammed said he was confident the election would encourage foreign direct investment into Nigeria. Nigeria, Chad, Chile, Lithuania and Saudi Arabia were on Thursday elected to serve in the council from January 1, 2014.

Nigeria has served four two-year terms in the council since it became a UN member state in 1960.

It’s most recent term was from 2010 to 2011 and the country has prioritised conflict prevention with a particular focus on preventive diplomacy and mediation. In 2011, President Goodluck Jonathan proposed the creation of a conflict mediation commission within the office of the UN Secretary-General to develop strategies for the resolution of disputes.

(Xinhua)