Nigeria has urged for swift and decisive measures to address climate change, describing it as a critical global crisis requiring immediate intervention. At the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, Nigeria reinforced its commitment to democratic values, civil rights, and institutional reforms within the Commonwealth.
With the Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, due to technical flight issues that prevented Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending, Nigeria underscored the country’s experience with climate impacts, including severe flooding, land degradation, and rising sea levels. Lawal emphasized the need for unified efforts across the Commonwealth to confront these challenges, stating, “We need to address the climate challenge very strongly because of its effect on our society; it is a global phenomenon.”
During the summit, Commonwealth leaders also elected Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, as the new Commonwealth Secretary-General. Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extended his congratulations, expressing optimism for strengthened ties between Africa and the Commonwealth under her leadership.
The meeting, King Charles III’s first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth, concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to sustainability and resilience, particularly for small island developing states (SIDS). Antigua and Barbuda were named the host for CHOGM 2026.