Nigeria has formally assumed the Presidency of the Conference on Disarmament (CD), the world’s leading multilateral negotiating forum on arms control, opening a new chapter in the country’s engagement with global peace and security efforts.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which outlined Nigeria’s priorities for its tenure following the country’s assumption of the presidency on May 26, 2026.
The ministry said the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, approved two key thematic areas to 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.
According to the ministry, the theme underscores Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to global peace, nuclear disarmament and the protection of countries that do not possess nuclear weapons. It noted that the initiative aligns with Nigeria’s foreign policy goal of promoting a rules-based international order while advancing equal security and justice among nations.
The second priority centres on the Improved and Effective Functioning of the Conference on Disarmament, a move aimed at strengthening the relevance, effectiveness and responsiveness of the forum.
The ministry stated that the theme reflects Nigeria’s support for constructive multilateral engagement and recognizes the role of a stronger disarmament framework in promoting global stability, sustainable development and a safer future for coming generations.
“Nigeria looks forward to working with all member states in a spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and consensus-building during its Presidency,” the statement said.
Nigeria’s assumption of the presidency presents an opportunity for the country to contribute to international diplomacy and efforts aimed at advancing peace and security through multilateral cooperation.