Nigeria calls for action on climate, democracy at CHOGM 2024

By Kunle Sanni

Nigeria has urged the Commonwealth community to adopt swift, collaborative measures to counter the adverse effects of climate change, framing it as a global emergency requiring immediate intervention.

The call came as Nigerian representatives outlined the nation’s climate priorities, alongside a renewed commitment to democracy and civil rights, during the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa.

The Nigerian delegation, led by Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, attended the summit in place of Vice President Kashim Shettima, whose attendance was hindered by technical flight issues.

Minister Lawal conveyed Nigeria’s stance on climate, detailing the environmental challenges the nation has endured, including frequent flooding, land degradation, and rising sea levels.

“Climate change is impacting our society deeply. Nigeria has witnessed unprecedented flooding, deteriorating land quality, and a worrying rise in sea levels,” Minister Lawal addressed Commonwealth leaders. “It is time to strengthen our joint efforts within the Commonwealth to tackle these shared challenges.”

The minister emphasized Nigeria’s broad support for the Commonwealth’s values, including democracy, civil rights, and institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the organization’s responsiveness and impact.

Lawal affirmed that Nigeria stands by initiatives designed to revitalize the Commonwealth, underscoring a commitment to reforms that emphasize “results-oriented value creation” for member nations.

Minister Lawal also expressed Nigeria’s support for the newly appointed Commonwealth Secretary-General, Dr. Botchwey, anticipating a closer and more dynamic relationship between the Commonwealth and African nations.

During the summit, Commonwealth leaders formally welcomed King Charles III to his first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth. The meeting’s closing communiqué commended the King’s enduring dedication to advancing sustainability, resilience, education, health, and climate initiatives, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS). His commitment, the communiqué noted, has inspired programs like the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme, focusing on building resilience in the face of climate change.

Reflecting on a significant transition, Commonwealth leaders acknowledged the summit as the first CHOGM since the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who served as the Head of the Commonwealth for over seventy years.

Concluding the event, the Commonwealth Secretariat announced that Antigua and Barbuda would host the next CHOGM in 2026, continuing the tradition of rotating hosts among member states.