By SALISU SANI-IDRIS

The Federal Government has called for urgent and aggressive measures to combat the catastrophic impact of climate change in the country.

The Minister of Environment, Alhaji Balarabe Lawal, made the call at the just concluded Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) held in Apia, the capital of the Independent State of Samoa.

This is contained in a statement issued by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of The Vice President, on Sunday, in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the minister led the Nigerian delegation to the meeting, after technical flight issues prevented Vice-President Kashim Shettima from representing President Bola Tinubu at the summit.

Lawal, who spoke during the summit held between Oct. 21 and 26, emphasised that the impact of climate change was a global crisis that demanded immediate action.

The minister also restated the Nigerian government?s support for the preservation of democracy, protection of civil rights across the Commonwealth.

He also reiterated the federal government?s support for the ongoing reforms in the organisation, which is focusing more on results-oriented value creation.

Lawal told the world leaders that Nigeria had already experienced its unpalatable share of the devastating impact of climate change through flooding, degraded lands and rising sea levels.

?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.

He added that Nigeria?s position on the environment, democracy, security, and other issues were prompted by current challenges being faced across the world.

?Nigeria also made its position clear ?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 that Nigeria also backed and encouraged ongoing institutional reforms at the Commonwealth.

Lawal reaffirmed Nigeria?s commitment to the organisation?s renewal, emphasising that the nation?s focus was on results-oriented value creation and a responsive Commonwealth.

The minister further pledged Nigeria?s support for the new Secretary-General of the body, Shirley Botchwey, currently Ghana?s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.

He expressed the hope that with Botchwey?s emergence, there would be more robust engagements between Africa and the Commonwealth.

Meanwhile, in a communiqu? issued by the Commonwealth Secretariat at the end of the meeting, the leaders commended His Majesty, King Charles III, for his unwavering commitment to a more sustainable and resilient future for Commonwealth countries.

They also applauded the King?s commitment to strengthening education, health and climate resilience, particularly in small island developing states (SIDS), a commitment that has inspired the King?s Commonwealth Fellowship Programme.

Similarly, the leaders reflected on the gathering being the first CHOGM since the loss of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who served as Head of the Commonwealth with extraordinary duty for over 70 years.

The meeting also named Antigua and Barbuda as the host of the next CHOGM in 2026. (NAN)

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