Nigeria has called for urgent and aggressive measures to combat the catastrophic impacts of climate change during the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Apia, Samoa, from October 21 to 26, 2024.
In a statement issued by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, the Nigerian delegation, led by Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, emphasised that climate change is a global crisis requiring immediate action.
Lawal highlighted Nigeria’s firsthand experience with climate-related disasters, stating, “We need to address the climate challenge very strongly because of its effect on our society; it is a global phenomenon. We have experienced flooding in our country, degraded lands and rising sea levels, among others.
“Now is the time to join forces at the level of the Commonwealth to address these issues,” the Minister stated, adding that Nigeria’s positions on the environment, democracy, security, and other issues were prompted by current challenges faced across the world.
Lawal noted that Nigeria also made its position clear “in support of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations, including the processes for strengthening the Commonwealth to make it stronger and more vibrant.”
He emphasised that Nigeria also backed and encouraged ongoing institutional reforms at the Commonwealth, reaffirming its commitment to the organisation’s renewal, even as he emphasised that the nation’s focus is on results-oriented value creation and a responsive Commonwealth.
The Minister also reiterated Nigeria’s support for the new Secretary-General of the body, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, expressing hope that with her emergence, there would be more robust engagement between Africa and the Commonwealth.
Lawal urged Commonwealth leaders to unite in tackling these pressing issues, asserting that “now is the time to join forces at the level of the Commonwealth to address these issues.”
In addition to climate action, Nigeria reiterated its commitment to democracy and civil rights across the Commonwealth. Lawal remarked on the importance of strengthening the organization, saying, “We made our position clear in support of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations.” He also expressed Nigeria’s backing for ongoing institutional reforms within the Commonwealth, advocating for a focus on results-oriented value creation.
The summit welcomed King Charles III for his first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth. In a communiqué issued at the meeting’s conclusion, leaders praised his commitment to a sustainable future for member countries, particularly in enhancing education and climate resilience in small island developing states (SIDS).
Reflecting on this significant gathering, which was also the first since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, leaders announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the next CHOGM in 2026.
