By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to the International Law Commission (ILC), calling for stronger international legal cooperation, respect for the sovereign equality of states and the preservation of the global legal order. 
The Federal Government also called for enhanced cooperation to protect developing countries and vulnerable communities from the effects of rising sea levels.
The position was conveyed in Nigeria’s national statement during the Sixth Committee debate on the report of the International Law Commission at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The debate, held on October 26, 2026, focused on the work of the commission during its 76th and 77th sessions.
In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Oluwafemi Adeniyi, Nigeria said it remained committed to constructive engagement with the commission and the promotion of international law.
The statement, delivered by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, also congratulated Olufemi Elias on his election to the commission on May 5, 2026, while expressing appreciation to member states for supporting his candidature.
Nigeria aligned itself with the position presented by Cameroon on behalf of the African Group but also made additional observations on sea-level rise and other decisions of the commission.
On the implications of rising sea levels for international law, Nigeria stressed the need to preserve legal stability and certainty regarding maritime boundaries and entitlements.
The country called for the maintenance of established baselines and maritime entitlements in line with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as the preservation of the presumption of continuity of statehood.
Highlighting its particular interest in the matter as a coastal state, Nigeria said significant populations and economic activities along its Atlantic coastline and in the Niger Delta were exposed to the effects of rising sea levels.
It therefore called for stronger international cooperation to support developing countries most severely affected by the phenomenon and protect vulnerable populations and communities.
The Federal Government also welcomed the inclusion of the topic, “Identification and Legal Consequences of Obligations Erga Omnes in International Law”, in the commission’s programme of work.
It further welcomed the inclusion of “The Right to Regulate in International Investment Law” in the ILC’s long-term programme, noting its importance to developing countries seeking to attract foreign investment while safeguarding the public interest.
Nigeria also acknowledged the establishment of a working group on cooperation with regional legal bodies and the resumption of exchanges with the Asian-African Legal Consultative Organisation, of which it is a member.
The country urged the commission to extend its engagement to the African Union Commission on International Law to ensure that African legal traditions, practices and perspectives were adequately reflected in its work.
The statement also expressed Nigeria’s support for the restoration of live webcasting of the commission’s plenary meetings, noting that the initiative would enable smaller delegations to follow deliberations more effectively.
However, Nigeria stressed that the commission’s work must give due regard to the sovereign equality of states and the principle of non-interference in their internal affairs.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to contributing constructively to the commission’s work, including through timely responses to its requests and inquiries.
Nigeria’s position underscores its continued support for multilateral cooperation and the development of international law, particularly on issues affecting developing countries and vulnerable coastal communities.
