Nigeria has officially assumed the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament as of May 26, 2026, marking a significant step in its participation in global peace and security diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday night by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, noting that the development places Nigeria at the forefront of international efforts to strengthen disarmament dialogue and consensus-building among member states.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has approved two key thematic priorities for Nigeria’s tenure at the Geneva-based forum.
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.
According to the ministry, the initiative reflects Nigeria’s long-standing commitment to nuclear disarmament, global peace, and the protection of non-nuclear-weapon states, while reinforcing a rules-based international order.
The second priority is the “Improved and Effective Functioning of the Conference on Disarmament,” aimed at revitalising the forum as the world’s principal multilateral disarmament negotiating platform.
The ministry said the reform agenda seeks to enhance the body’s relevance and responsiveness in addressing emerging global security challenges.
Nigeria further stated that its leadership of the conference aligns with its broader foreign policy framework under the 4D strategy, which emphasises democracy, development, demographic inclusion, and diplomacy as pillars of global stability.
The country pledged to work closely with all member states throughout its tenure to promote dialogue, cooperation, and consensus in advancing international peace and security objectives.
