The Permanent Secretary, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the founding principles of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), emphasising solidarity, equity, and cooperation as key drivers for sustainable global development.
Ambassador Ahmed stated this while delivering Nigeria’s statement at the 19th Ministerial Meeting of the Coordinating Bureau of NAM, held in Kampala, Uganda.
He conveyed appreciation to President Yoweri Museveni, the government, and the people of Uganda for their warm hospitality, and commended Uganda’s continued leadership of the Movement under the chairmanship of the Ugandan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Odongo Abubakar.
Addressing the gathering of ministers and delegates, Ambassador Ahmed noted that the world is currently confronted by multiple, interlinked crises, including climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and economic inequalities, that have deepened vulnerabilities, especially in developing nations.
He stressed that “no nation can bear these burdens alone,” calling for deeper solidarity and collective action among NAM member states.”
Highlighting the meeting’s theme, “Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence,” Ambassador Ahmed said it underscores the continuing relevance of NAM’s principles in advancing global justice, equity, and peace.
On climate change, he urged developed countries to honour their commitments, including the overdue $100 billion annual climate finance pledge, and to scale up funding to at least $1 trillion annually to support the Global South’s transition to clean energy and resilience.
He further outlined Nigeria’s domestic efforts to attract climate investment through innovative financial tools.
“We are working to mobilise private sector finance through the increased deployment of green guarantees,” he said, noting the establishment of the National Credit Guarantee Company to de-risk investments and align national strategies across key ministries.
He also praised global initiatives such as the Green Guarantee Group (GGG) for advancing practical financing solutions, but called for stronger international backing to mainstream these instruments and reduce capital costs in developing economies.
On international peace and security, Ambassador Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s steadfast support for the Palestinian cause, condemning ongoing violations of international law and human rights.
He reiterated Nigeria’s advocacy for a two-State solution, with an independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders and East Jerusalem as its capital.
The Permanent Secretary also emphasised the urgent need to reform global multilateral institutions to reflect current global realities, warning that without reform, “global governance risks further erosion of legitimacy, effectiveness, and trust.”
Concluding, Ambassador Ahmed pledged Nigeria’s continued partnership with fellow NAM member states to strengthen unity and cooperation for a just, inclusive, and prosperous world.