President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to represent Nigeria at the 2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which will take place from October 21 to 26 in Apia, Samoa. Shettima will join King Charles of England and leaders from 56 member countries at the meeting, marking the first time CHOGM will be held in the Pacific island nation.
The 2024 CHOGM will focus on the theme, “One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth,” and will explore how Commonwealth nations can harness resilience, unlock potential, and leverage their collective strengths in the digital age. Key discussions will focus on trade, innovation, growth, and tackling global challenges, with a special emphasis on empowering the Commonwealth’s 1.5 billion young people for a more sustainable and peaceful future.
A major highlight of the meeting will be the election and appointment of the next Commonwealth Secretary-General. In accordance with the Commonwealth Secretariat’s principles of regional rotation, the next Secretary-General will be selected from the Africa region, with candidates from Lesotho, Ghana, and The Gambia in the running. Nigeria, as the largest African member of the Commonwealth, is expected to play a significant role in the selection process.
In addition to participating in key discussions on the global economy, environmental issues, and security, Vice President Shettima is expected to use the Commonwealth Business Forum as an opportunity to attract investors to Nigeria. The forum will gather global business leaders and experts to explore solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges.
Shettima will also take part in the Commonwealth People’s Forum, the largest platform for direct engagement between civil society and government leaders on development issues. In addition to his involvement in high-level executive sessions and bilateral meetings, the Vice President will advocate for Nigeria’s interests while fostering stronger ties within the Commonwealth.
The 2024 CHOGM is seen as an important moment for Nigeria to assert its leadership role within the Commonwealth and to contribute to shaping a more resilient and connected future for all member nations.
