Nigeria has called for urgent action against climate change at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa.
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal, who led the Nigerian delegation to the summit on behalf of Vice President Kashim Shettima, related the country’s experiences with environmental challenges including flooding, land degradation, and rising sea levels.
VP Shettima was unable to attend the summit due to technical issues with his flight.
Speaking after visiting Moataa village, a local community decorated with Nigerian colors, Lawal spoke on the global nature of the climate crisis.
“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.
Beyond environmental concerns, Lawal voiced Nigeria’s support for democratic values and civil rights protection across the Commonwealth.
He said the country also backs ongoing institutional reforms within the organisation, noting the need for results-oriented value creation and increased responsiveness.
Meanwhile, the summit also saw the election of Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, as the new Commonwealth Secretary General.
Nigeria, among other nations, supported Botchwey’s appointment, with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu extending his congratulations to both Ghana and the new Secretary General.
Lawal expressed optimism that Botchwey’s leadership would strengthen ties between Africa and the Commonwealth.
The summit marked King Charles III’s first CHOGM as Head of the Commonwealth.
In their closing communiqué, the Commonwealth leaders praised the King’s dedication to sustainable development and his commitment to strengthening education, health, and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states.