Nigeria has urged stronger international cooperation and solidarity among developing nations to tackle the interlinked global challenges of climate change, inequality, debt burden, and insecurity, at the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) held in Kampala, Uganda.
Representing President Bola Tinubu’s administration, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, delivered Nigeria’s position during the high-level gathering themed “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence.”
“The world today faces climate-induced disasters, persistent conflicts, terrorism, pandemics, and widening inequalities,” Ambassador Ahmed stated. “No nation can bear these burdens alone. These times call for deeper solidarity among our member states and a renewed commitment to sustainable development as a central strategy for peace, security, and prosperity.”
Nigeria Demands Fulfilment of Global Climate Finance Commitments
Speaking on the urgent need for climate finance for developing countries, Ambassador Ahmed called on developed nations to honour their commitments under the Paris Agreement and beyond.
“We urge developed countries to deliver the overdue $100 billion climate finance pledge and scale up to at least $1 trillion annually to meet the needs of the Global South,” he said.
He highlighted Nigeria’s innovative approach through the creation of the National Credit Guarantee Company, designed to de-risk climate investments and mobilize private sector finance for green development.
“Green guarantees can mobilize five to six times more financing than traditional tools in developing economies. This is essential to attract sustainable capital at scale,” Ahmed noted, commending the Green Guarantee Group (GGG) for its role in promoting climate finance innovation.
He also called on multilateral development banks and private investors to adopt more inclusive and resilient financing mechanisms that address both climate and development needs.
Nigeria Reaffirms Support for Palestine, Multilateral Reform
Addressing global governance and justice, Nigeria reaffirmed its firm support for the Palestinian people, condemning the ongoing occupation and violations of international law.
“We reiterate our support for a two-state solution, based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as the capital of an independent State of Palestine,” Ambassador Ahmed declared.
On global institutions, he stressed the urgent need to reform outdated multilateral structures that no longer reflect current geopolitical realities.
“Without meaningful reform, global governance risks losing legitimacy, effectiveness, and trust,” he warned.
Nigeria at Non-Aligned Movement Meeting: Pushing for Equity and Development
Ambassador Ahmed closed his remarks by reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to the core principles of the Non-Aligned Movement, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among member states.
“By working together, NAM can remain a credible and united voice for the Global South, advancing equity, justice, and sustainable development,” he said.
The ministerial meeting was hosted by President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, with Foreign Minister Odongo Jeje Abubakhar chairing the session. Representatives from over 100 member countries participated, reinforcing NAM’s relevance as a platform for addressing shared global challenges.
