At the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu‑Ojukwu, urged stronger cooperation among member states to tackle security threats, boost trade, strengthen democratic institutions and enhance climate resilience.
In a post on her X account, Odumegwu‑Ojukwu said Nigeria had stressed the need for collective action on peace and security, including fighting terrorism and expanding access to development finance. She also highlighted the importance of youth empowerment in the Commonwealth’s agenda.
With Nigeria’s 2027 general elections on the horizon, the minister called for support of free, fair and credible electoral processes through election‑monitoring groups and the reinforcement of democratic institutions across the Commonwealth.
She noted that, under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, Nigeria remains committed to promoting democracy, consensus, civil, political and social rights, and to upholding the rule of law and judicial independence.
Odumegwu‑Ojukwu welcomed the launch of the Commonwealth Trade Portal, describing it as a welcome development that will facilitate economic growth, strengthen trade links among member states and help developing economies integrate into the global financial market.
She urged the Commonwealth to give greater attention to women and girls affected by conflict, displacement and climate change, insisting that their access to essential services, livelihood opportunities and justice must remain central to collective responses.
On reparatory justice, the minister highlighted the United Kingdom’s agreement to engage in a structured, time‑bound, inclusive and good‑faith dialogue with affected countries over the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and its historical consequences. She said Nigeria hopes the commitments adopted at CHOGM 2026 will translate into practical actions that create jobs, strengthen security and improve citizens’ lives across Commonwealth member states.
<small>Source: Vanguard News — read the original story there.</small>
