Abuja: Sen. Ned Nwoko, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation, has emphasized the need for African fraternity, consolidation, and national strategies to address the continent’s historical challenges. He made these remarks during a consultative forum with African Ambassadors in Nigeria, organized by the Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriation.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Nwoko outlined the committee’s objectives, which include confronting the long-standing injustices from slavery, colonization, and systemic discrimination. The committee, formed by the Nigerian Senate on July 17, 2024, seeks to redefine Africa’s role in global justice by demanding accountability and restitution.
Nwoko stated that the forum aims to foster dialogue and collaboration across Africa, with a focus on advancing practical solutions. He highlighted that the committee’s work is evidence-based and structured, addressing the dehumanization and marginalization of African communities both within Nigeria and the diaspora.
The committee’s mandate includes pursuing the return of looted cultural artifacts and leveraging international legal frameworks for restitution. Nwoko emphasized collaboration with experts in law, history, economics, and diplomacy to propose legal and policy templates aligned with national and international standards.
He also noted the committee’s responsibility to challenge neocolonial structures and practices that perpetuate economic and institutional subjugation in Nigeria. The committee’s scope extends to various sectors, including education, infrastructure, and intergovernmental equity.
Nwoko highlighted the AU’s recent call for reparative mechanisms, which marked a significant step in making reparations central to Africa’s agenda for justice and transformation. He urged African diplomats to contribute their insights to develop a unified and effective strategy that resonates globally.