Nigeria called for urgent and proactive measures to combat the devastating effects of climate change, stressing that this is a global crisis that requires immediate action.
He also reiterated his support for continued reform within the organization focused on preserving democracy, protecting civil rights across the Commonwealth, and creating results-oriented value.
These, among others, were Nigeria’s priorities at the just concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) held in Apia, the capital of the Independent State of Samoa, from 21 to 26 October.
The Nigerian delegation was headed by Environment Minister Alhaji Balarabe Lawal after Vice President Kassim Shettima was unable to attend the summit on behalf of his boss, President Bola Tinubu, due to flight technical issues. .
Immediately after visiting Moata village, a community in Apia decorated with the colors and flag of Nigeria, Lawal, who was immediately delegated by the President to represent Vice President Shettima, told world leaders at CHOGM 2024 that Nigeria He said there were some unpleasant parts. The devastating effects of climate change through flooding, land degradation and sea level rise.
He said: It’s a worldwide phenomenon. We have experienced flooding, land degradation, and sea level rise in our country.
“Now is the time to come together at the federal level to address these issues,” the minister said, adding that Nigeria’s position on environment, democracy, security and other issues is currently facing the world. He added that this was prompted by the challenges facing the country.
Lawal made it clear that Nigeria also “supports the protection of democracy and civil rights across the Commonwealth countries, including the process of strengthening the Commonwealth to make it stronger and more vibrant.” he pointed out.
He stressed that Nigeria is also focused on results-oriented value creation and a responsive federation, while also supporting and encouraging the ongoing institutional reforms in the federation and demonstrating its commitment to institutional renewal. He emphasized that he is reconfirming the situation.
The Minister also reiterated his support for Nigeria’s new Secretary-General and expressed hope that Botchway’s arrival will lead to stronger engagement between Africa and the Commonwealth.
“We welcome His Majesty King Charles III to the CHOGM as the first Commonwealth Head of State,” Commonwealth leaders told the Council earlier.
In a communiqué released by the Commonwealth Secretariat at the end of the meeting, the leaders pledged their commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future for the 56 Commonwealth countries and to strengthening education, health and climate resilience, especially for smaller countries. He praised the King’s unwavering commitment. Our work with Island Developing States (SIDS) inspired the Royal Commonwealth Fellowships Programme.
Leaders reflected that this gathering was the first CHOGM since the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth for more than 70 years with extraordinary service.
The conference also named Antigua and Barbuda as the host country for the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026.
The Federation also elected a new Secretary-General. She is the hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchway, currently Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. Nigeria and other countries voted for her at the Commonwealth Leadership Conference on Saturday. President Tinubu has already congratulated Ghana and the new Secretary-General.
Digi Hermoe
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