Nigeria Assumes Presidency of Global Disarmament Conference, Unveils Key Priorities
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has formally assumed the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the world’s sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, effective May 26, 2026, reinforcing the country’s commitment to international peace, security, and multilateral diplomacy.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, approved two major 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, also known as Negative Security Assurances. The Ministry said the theme reflects Nigeria’s longstanding advocacy for global peace, nuclear disarmament, 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 advancing the Democracy pillar of Nigeria’s 4D Foreign Policy agenda.
The second priority centers on Improving the Effectiveness and Functioning of the Conference on Disarmament, aimed at revitalizing the body and enhancing its relevance, responsiveness, and capacity to address contemporary security challenges.
According to the Ministry, the initiative supports Nigeria’s commitment to constructive multilateral engagement and advances the Development and Demography pillars of the 4D Foreign Policy framework by fostering global stability and sustainable development.
The Ministry emphasized that Nigeria will work closely with member states in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building throughout its tenure as President of the Conference.
The statement was signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
