Nigeria Assumes Presidency of Conference on Disarmament, Unveils Key Priorities
Nigeria has formally assumed the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the world’s sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, reaffirming its commitment to international peace, security and multilateral diplomacy.
The presidency, which commenced on May 26, 2026, provides Nigeria with an opportunity to contribute to global efforts aimed at promoting disarmament, strengthening international security and advancing constructive dialogue among member states.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, approved two key thematic priorities that will guide Nigeria’s leadership of the Conference.
The first priority focuses on Effective International Arrangements to Assure Non-Nuclear-Weapon States Against the Use or Threat of Use of Nuclear Weapons, commonly referred to as Negative Security Assurances.
According to the Ministry, the theme reflects Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to nuclear disarmament, global peace and the protection of non-nuclear-weapon states. It also aligns with the country’s foreign policy objective of promoting a rules-based international order and supports the Democracy pillar of Nigeria’s 4D foreign policy agenda by advocating equal security and justice for all nations.
The second priority centres on the Improved and Effective Functioning of the Conference on Disarmament, with a focus on revitalising the institution and enhancing its relevance and effectiveness in addressing contemporary security challenges.
Nigeria said the initiative seeks to strengthen the responsiveness and efficiency of the Conference, while supporting the Development and Demography pillars of the country’s foreign policy framework. The government noted that an effective global disarmament architecture contributes to international stability, sustainable development and long-term security.
The Federal Government expressed optimism that its tenure would promote dialogue, cooperation and consensus-building among member states on critical disarmament and security issues.
Nigeria also reaffirmed its readiness to work closely with all participating countries to advance shared goals of peace, collective security and sustainable development during its presidency of the Conference on Disarmament.
The assumption of the presidency further underscores Nigeria’s active role in global diplomacy and its continued advocacy for a safer and more secure international environment.
Nigeria Assumes Presidency of Conference on Disarmament, Unveils Key Priorities