Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has reaffirmed Nigeria’s leadership in championing a unified African front for reparations and the repatriation of looted artifacts, as he hosted African ambassadors and diplomatic representatives at a high-level consultative forum in Abuja.
The forum, convened by the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation—which Nwoko chairs—brought together African envoys to strategize on collective approaches to redress the historical injustices of slavery, colonial exploitation, and the plundering of Africa’s cultural heritage.
In a statement shared via his official Facebook page, Senator Nwoko described the meeting as a significant step toward reclaiming justice for Africa’s past, stating:
“We examined Africa’s shared historical wounds and explored unified approaches to demand restitution, repatriation, and justice for centuries of exploitation and displacement.”
He underscored that the call for reparations is no longer a marginal pursuit, but a central issue in Africa’s diplomatic and moral agenda.
“Reparations are no longer a fringe conversation,” Nwoko declared. “They are central to Africa’s global assertion, morally grounded and diplomatically urgent.”
Addressing the attending diplomats, the Delta North senator emphasized the significance of their participation as a show of solidarity:
“Your presence signifies African unity and a shared commitment to confronting the painful legacies of the past.”
The Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation was established to spearhead Nigeria’s legislative and diplomatic advocacy for reparative justice from former colonial powers. The committee also seeks to harmonize efforts with other African nations in pushing for the return of looted artifacts and financial compensation for systemic historical abuses.
The Abuja forum marks the beginning of a series of consultations across the continent, with future engagements expected to include historians, legal scholars, civil society actors, and traditional leaders.
Nwoko concluded with a rallying call for continental unity:
“Africa must speak with one voice. This is not just a political mission—it is a moral imperative to restore dignity and seek justice for our people.”
Participating ambassadors widely welcomed the initiative, pledging to work collaboratively with Nigeria in establishing a common African stance on reparations and the repatriation of cultural treasures.
