Nigeria demands stronger Commonwealth action on security, democracy, reparatory justice

From **Aidoghie Paulinus, **Abuja

The Federal Government has called on Commonwealth nations to move beyond declarations and commitments to concrete action on terrorism, collective security, democratic governance, reparatory justice and economic cooperation, insisting that the organisation must deliver practical benefits to member countries.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, made the call during Nigeria’s interventions at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua, where she identified security threats, limited access to development finance and emerging geopolitical challenges as issues requiring stronger cooperation.

The minister also urged the Commonwealth to prioritise credible electoral processes through election observation missions and stronger democratic institutions as Nigeria prepared for its January 2027 general elections.

Her media aide, Magnus Eze, in a statement issued in Abuja, said Nigeria’s position reflected the need for Commonwealth countries to pursue shared interests and values through practical interventions capable of addressing challenges confronting their citizens.

“The minister emphasised that the Commonwealth must move beyond shared commitments to practical actions that address the challenges confronting its member nations.

“She identified combating terrorism, expanding access to development finance and strengthening collective security as key priorities requiring renewed attention,” Eze said.

On democratic governance, Odumegwu-Ojukwu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to promoting civil, political and social rights, while upholding the rule of law and judicial independence as essential foundations of transparent and inclusive governance.

She also welcomed the establishment of the Commonwealth Trade Portal, describing it as an initiative capable of strengthening commercial relationships and expanding market opportunities for member countries.

“Nigeria is particularly pleased to note the creation of the Commonwealth Trade Portal. Trade facilitation initiatives will foster economic growth, expanding trade links among members, and assisting developing economies to integrate into the global financial market will certainly go a long way towards boosting economic development and trade,” she said.

The minister stressed that improved market access, trade facilitation and greater integration of developing economies into global financial markets would accelerate growth and create employment opportunities across the Commonwealth.

On humanitarian concerns, Nigeria urged member countries to pay greater attention to women and girls affected by armed conflict, displacement and climate change, stressing that access to essential services, livelihoods and justice must remain central to collective interventions.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu maintained that affected women and girls should be given opportunities to participate in shaping policies and programmes intended to address their challenges.

The minister also raised the issue of reparatory justice, particularly the historical consequences of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans.

She welcomed the agreement by the United Kingdom government to engage affected countries in a structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith dialogue on the matter.

According to the statement, the development featured prominently in discussions at the summit, reflecting renewed attention to historical injustices and the need for meaningful engagement between affected nations and former colonial powers.

Nigeria expressed hope that the outcomes of CHOGM 2026 would translate into tangible commitments capable of creating employment, strengthening security and improving living conditions across member countries.

Eze said Nigeria’s interventions were intended to ensure that Commonwealth cooperation advanced peace, prosperity, democracy and inclusive development.

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