By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to international law and called for stronger global legal cooperation, respect for state sovereignty and the preservation of the international legal order.
The position was presented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, during the Sixth Committee debate on the report of the International Law Commission (ILC) at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on October 26, 2026.
In its national statement, Nigeria congratulated Olufemi Elias on his election to the International Law Commission on May 5, 2026, while appreciating member states for supporting his candidature.
Aligning itself with the statement delivered by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group, Nigeria also highlighted issues of particular importance to the country, including sea-level rise and other decisions and conclusions of the Commission.
On sea-level rise and international law, Nigeria stressed the need to preserve legal stability and certainty over maritime zones, including established baselines and maritime entitlements in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The country also emphasized the importance of maintaining the continuity of statehood and called for stronger international cooperation to support developing countries severely affected by rising sea levels.
Highlighting its position as a coastal nation with significant populations and economic activities along the Atlantic coast and in the Niger Delta, Nigeria urged measures to protect vulnerable communities from the consequences of climate-related challenges.
Nigeria further welcomed the inclusion of the identification and legal consequences of obligations erga omnes in international law in the Commission’s programme of work.
It also welcomed the addition of the right to regulate in international investment law to the Commission’s long-term programme, noting its relevance to developing countries seeking to attract foreign investment while protecting the public interest.
The country acknowledged the establishment of a working group on cooperation with regional legal bodies and the resumption of exchanges with the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organization, of which Nigeria is a member.
It urged the Commission to extend similar engagement to the African Union Commission on International Law to ensure that African legal traditions, practices and perspectives are adequately reflected in its work.
Nigeria also supported the restoration of live webcasting of the Commission’s plenary meetings, describing it as important for enabling smaller delegations to follow its deliberations.
However, it stressed that the Commission’s work must respect the sovereign equality of states and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs.
Nigeria reiterated its support for the International Law Commission and pledged continued constructive engagement, including responding promptly to the Commission’s requests and inquiries.
