CHOGM 2024: Nigeria Urges Global Climate Cooperation

Nigeria Tackles Climate Change at CHOGM 2024

“We need to address the climate challenge very strongly because of its effect on our society...”

Commonwealth Leaders Unite: CHOGM 2024 Communique Highlights King Charles III's Sustainability Commitment & Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II

Nigeria is taking a strong stance on climate change, calling for swift and decisive action to combat its catastrophic impact. The country emphasizes that climate change is a global crisis requiring immediate attention. At the recent Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Apia, Samoa, Nigeria's priorities included urgent measures to address climate change, preserve democracy, protect civil rights across the Commonwealth, and drive results-oriented reforms within the organization.

The CHOGM, held from October 21 to 26, brought together leaders from Commonwealth countries to discuss pressing global challenges. Nigeria's focus on climate change aligns with the meeting's theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth.” The summit aimed to strengthen resilient democratic institutions, uphold human rights, and combat climate change, particularly in small states and island nations.

Key outcomes from the meeting include the adoption of the Apia Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, which calls for protecting oceans, restoring degraded marine ecosystems, and finalizing the global plastic pollution treaty. Additionally, the Commonwealth leaders agreed to hold conversations on reparations for slavery and colonialism, recognizing the enduring effects of these historical injustices.

Nigeria's Priorities at CHOGM:

• Climate Change: Urgent and aggressive measures to combat its catastrophic impact
• Democracy: Preservation and protection of civil rights across the Commonwealth
• Reforms: Results-oriented value creation within the organization
• Reparations: Conversations on reparations for slavery and colonialism 

The Nigerian delegation to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 was led by Minister of Environment Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, after technical flight issues prevented Vice President Kashim Shettima from attending. Lawal was swiftly delegated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to represent Nigeria.

Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, has been elected as the new Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Nigeria, along with other nations, cast their votes in her favor during the leaders' meeting on Saturday. President Tinubu extended congratulations to Ghana and the newly elected Secretary General.

During his address at CHOGM 2024, Lawal highlighted Nigeria's struggles with climate change, citing devastating flooding, land degradation, and rising sea levels. His speech came shortly after visiting Moataa village in Apia, which was adorned with Nigerian colors and flags. Lawal emphasized the urgent need for collective action to combat climate change.

Nigeria has been ramping up efforts to tackle the climate crisis, having submitted its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 2021. The country aims to cut emissions by 45% by 2030. Previous initiatives, such as the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP), have demonstrated success in enhancing climate resilience and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

“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.

Nigeria's Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, emphasized the need for collective action within the Commonwealth to tackle pressing global challenges. “Now is the time to join forces at the level of the Commonwealth to address these issues,” he stated, highlighting Nigeria's commitment to addressing environmental, democratic, security, and other concerns. These issues, he noted, are prompted by current global challenges.

Lawal reiterated Nigeria's support for democracy and civil rights across Commonwealth nations, advocating for a stronger and more vibrant organization. “In support of democracy and the protection of civil rights across Commonwealth nations, including the processes for strengthening the Commonwealth to make it stronger and more vibrant,” he emphasized. Nigeria also backs ongoing institutional reforms within the Commonwealth, reaffirming its dedication to the organization's renewal.

Regarding leadership, Lawal expressed optimism about the new Secretary-General, Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, fostering more robust engagement between Africa and the Commonwealth. This development comes as Commonwealth leaders welcomed King Charles III to his first Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) as Head of the Commonwealth. King Charles III's role is ceremonial, symbolizing the voluntary association of Commonwealth member states. His position was solidified in 2018, when Commonwealth leaders declared him the next Head of the Commonwealth, following Queen Elizabeth II.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024 has come to a close, and the leaders have issued a communiqué praising King Charles III's unwavering dedication to creating a more sustainable and resilient future for the 56 member countries of the Commonwealth. This commitment extends to bolstering education, health, and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS), and has inspired the King's Commonwealth Fellowship Programme.

The meeting marked a significant milestone, being the first CHOGM since the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth with remarkable dedication for over 70 years. Her legacy continues to inspire the Commonwealth's mission to promote peace, justice, and solidarity among its member states.

Looking ahead, the leaders announced that Antigua and Barbuda will host the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2026. This decision underscores the Commonwealth's commitment to rotating the hosting duties among its member countries, fostering cooperation and collaboration across the globe.

Takeaways from CHOGM 2024:

Commitment to Sustainability: King Charles III's dedication to a more sustainable and resilient future for the Commonwealth

Tribute to Queen Elizabeth II: Reflections on her remarkable service as Head of the Commonwealth

Next CHOGM Host: Antigua and Barbuda to host the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting.