Nigeria has formally assumed the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the world’s sole multilateral disarmament negotiating forum, in a move that underscores the country’s commitment to international peace, security, and multilateral diplomacy.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, noting that Nigeria officially took over the presidency on May 26, 2026. The statement said the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, had approved two key thematic priorities to guide the country’s tenure.
According to Ebienfa, 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. He explained that the theme reflects Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to global peace, nuclear disarmament, and the protection of non-nuclear-weapon states, while advancing a rules-based international order.
The second priority centered on the Improved and Effective Functioning of the Conference on Disarmament, a theme aimed at revitalizing the conference and strengthening its effectiveness, relevance, and responsiveness as the world’s premier multilateral disarmament negotiating forum.
The ministry noted that the revitalization agenda aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to constructive multilateral engagement and supports the Development and Demography pillars of the country’s 4D Foreign Policy framework. It added that a more effective global disarmament architecture would contribute to international stability, sustainable development, and a safer future for generations.
Nigeria also expressed its readiness to work with all member states in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building throughout its presidency of the conference.
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s determination to play an active role in advancing global disarmament efforts and promoting collective security through multilateral diplomacy.
