Nigeria has been elected to Chair the United Nations Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations, known to be “UN’s most strategic committee,” for a record 54th time.
Charge d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations, Syndoph Endoni was elected Chair of the committee also known as C-34 by acclamation at the United Nations Headquarters in New York during the opening of the 2026 Session.
Nigeria has a long-standing, recurring role as Chair of the UN Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations from 1972 to date and has frequently been re-elected to lead the most critical committee of the United Nations.
This long-standing tenure reflects Nigeria’s position as one of the largest troop contributors to UN peacekeeping operations.
Nigeria is among the world’s 15th largest troop contributors to UN Peacekeeping operations and the eighth in Africa.
Delivering Nigeria’s statement earlier during the General Debate of the 2026 Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34), Endoni said “Nigeria has consistently placed peace, unity and dialogue at the core of its national identity and foreign policy”.
A cross-section of delegates during the General Debate at the 2026 Special Committee on Peacekeeping Operations (C-34) at the UN Headquarters in New York.
“As such, we remain committed to peaceful conflict resolution and continue to contribute actively to peacekeeping efforts within Africa and beyond.
“Nigeria also recognizes the growing importance of innovation and technology in modern peace operations, especially data-driven decision-making, enhanced situational awareness tools and responsible technology integration that can significantly improve force protection and mandate delivery,” Endoni said.
The Nigerian diplomat further underscored the importance of discipline, accountability and due process in peacekeeping operations.
“Nigeria stands ready to support the work of the Special Committee to strengthen UN peacekeeping.
“We look forward to engaging with delegations in a spirit of cooperation and shared responsibility as we work to advance peace and security globally,” he added.
Endoni said that the re-election reinforced Nigeria’s standing among the comity of nations in the realm of peacekeeping and contribution to international peace and security.
According to the Nigerian envoy, the re-election is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s leadership at the United Nations and keep the UN more focused on its peacekeeping operations globally.