(Commonwealth_ CHOGM) During the recently concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, Nigeria’s Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, delivered a compelling call to action for world leaders to address the urgent global crisis of climate change. The summit, held from October 21 to 26, brought together representatives from across the Commonwealth, with Lawal leading the Nigerian delegation in the absence of Vice-President Kashim Shettima, who encountered technical flight issues.
Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, issued a statement in which Lawal emphasized the severe impact of climate change on Nigeria. He highlighted specific challenges such as devastating flooding, land degradation, and rising sea levels, which have significantly affected local communities and economies. We need to address the climate challenge immediately due to its substantial effects on our society. This is a global phenomenon that necessitates collective action at the Commonwealth level,” Lawal asserted, emphasizing the need for collaboration among member states to devise effective strategies for mitigation and adaptation.
In addition to his environmental concerns, Lawal reaffirmed Nigeria’s strong commitment to the preservation of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations. He articulated the Nigerian government’s support for ongoing institutional reforms aimed at enhancing the Commonwealth’s effectiveness and vibrancy. “Our stance on environmental issues, democracy, and security is informed by the current global challenges we face,” he noted, signaling Nigeria’s proactive approach to addressing interconnected global issues.
Lawal also extended his support to the newly appointed Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Botchwey, who is currently Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration. He expressed optimism that her leadership would facilitate stronger engagement between Africa and the Commonwealth, thereby fostering collaborative efforts on key issues such as climate change and sustainable development.
The summit culminated in a communiqué from the Commonwealth Secretariat, in which leaders commended His Majesty King Charles III for his unwavering dedication to fostering a sustainable and resilient future for Commonwealth countries. They recognized his commitment to strengthening education, health, and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS). They highlighted the King’s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme as a notable initiative that aims to empower young leaders across the Commonwealth, reinforcing the importance of education in building resilient communities.
Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth with extraordinary dedication for over 70 years, passed away, making the meeting a poignant moment. Her legacy was acknowledged by the leaders, who reflected on her profound impact on the organization and its member states.
Finally, the leaders announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the next CHOGM in 2026, setting the stage for continued dialogue and collaboration among Commonwealth nations on critical issues affecting their future. The commitment to addressing climate change, enhancing democratic governance, and strengthening civil rights remained central themes of the discussions, underscoring the Commonwealth’s role as a platform for collective action and solidarity.
