Abuja urges member states to step up cooperation on peace, security, trade and climate resilience while supporting democratic institutions and expanding development finance….reports Africa Daily News Desk
Nigeria has called for stronger cooperation among Commonwealth member states on peace and security, trade, climate resilience and youth empowerment, while urging greater efforts to combat terrorism and expand access to development finance.
Presenting Nigeria’s expectations during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2026 in Antigua, a Nigerian representative said the organisation must strengthen its collective response to shared challenges amid changing geopolitical realities.
Nigeria also highlighted its preparations for the general elections scheduled for January 2027, stressing the importance of supporting free, fair and credible electoral processes through monitoring groups and strengthening democratic institutions across member states.
Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to promoting democracy, consensus and civil, political and social rights, while upholding the rule of law and judicial independence as essential foundations of transparent and inclusive governance.
The country also welcomed the creation of the Commonwealth Trade Portal, describing it as an important step towards improving trade facilitation, strengthening economic links among member states and helping developing economies gain greater access to global financial markets.
Nigeria further called on the Commonwealth to give greater attention to women and girls affected by conflict, displacement and climate change. It stressed that access to essential services, livelihoods and justice must remain central to collective efforts, with affected women and girls having a meaningful role in shaping solutions.
Another major focus of the ministerial meeting was the reparatory justice agenda. Nigeria welcomed the UK government’s agreement to engage in structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith dialogue with affected countries on the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and its historical consequences.
Nigeria expressed hope that CHOGM 2026 would result in practical commitments capable of creating jobs, strengthening security and improving the lives of citizens across the Commonwealth
