Nigeria pushes for solutions to climate change at CHOGM2024

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Nigeria has called for urgent, decisive action to address the devastating effects of climate change, stressing its status as a global crisis that requires immediate intervention.

In a statement by Vice President Kashim Shettima’s Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Stanley Nkwocha, Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democracy, protecting civil rights across the Commonwealth, and supporting ongoing reforms within the organization, with an increased focus on results-driven, value-based initiatives.

These objectives, among others, were Nigeria’s core priorities during the just-concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held in Apia, Samoa’s capital, from October 21 to 26.

Leading Nigeria’s delegation was the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, after technical flight issues prevented Vice President Shettima from attending on behalf of President Bola Tinubu.

Meanwhile, a new Secretary General of the Commonwealth was elected. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, assumed the role, with Nigeria and other member nations casting their votes in her favor.

President Tinubu has already extended his congratulations to Ghana and the new Secretary General. During a visit to Moataa village in Apia, which was adorned with Nigerian flags and colors, Lawal—standing in for Shettima—addressed global leaders at CHOGM 2024.

He highlighted Nigeria’s harsh experiences with the impacts of climate change, citing flooding, land degradation, and rising sea levels as some of the country’s most pressing environmental challenges.

“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.

Nigeria reaffirmed its strong stance in favor of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations, while advocating for initiatives that would enhance the strength and vibrancy of the organization, according to Lawal.

He highlighted Nigeria’s support for ongoing institutional reforms within the Commonwealth, emphasizing the nation’s commitment to the organization’s renewal and progress.

Additionally, the Minister underscored Nigeria’s backing of the newly appointed Secretary-General, expressing optimism that Botchwey’s leadership would lead to deeper and more dynamic engagement between Africa and the Commonwealth.

During their executive session, Commonwealth leaders welcomed His Majesty, King Charles III, to his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as Head of the Commonwealth.

In a communiqué issued at the conclusion of the meeting, the leaders praised King Charles III’s steadfast dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient future for the 56 Commonwealth member countries.

His focus on strengthening education, health, and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS), was lauded as a core inspiration behind the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme.

Reflecting on the significance of this gathering, leaders acknowledged it as the first CHOGM since the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth with unparalleled dedication for over seventy years.

The meeting concluded with the announcement that Antigua and Barbuda would host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026.