Nigeria/Commonwealth Agree on Dates for Next CHOGM

The next Commonwealth Head of Government Meeting (CHOGM) will take place from 5 to 8 December, 2003 in Abuja, Nigeria, Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon confirmed today.

The announcement follows consultations with the Federal Government of Nigeria and other member governments. At the last CHOGM in Coolum, Austria, in March 2002, Commonwealth leaders accepted the offer from President Olusegun Obasanjo for Nigeria to host CHOGM 2003.

In a brief statement, President Olusegun Obasanjo said: "The Government and people of Nigeria look forward to welcoming Commonwealth leaders to our country. The 2003 meeting should offer a veritable opportunity for us and our partners in the Commonwealth to address important issues of collective concern with a view to further strengthening Commonwealth ties and cooperation."

Secretary-General Don McKinnon said that the Commonwealth Secretariat was working closely with the Nigerian Government to ensure a smooth and successful meeting. "I am sure the Abuja meeting will become another historic Commonwealth milestone. These summits offer a valuable opportunity to advance our political, economic, social and development objectives," he said.

Next year's CHOGM will be the first since 1966 that Commonwealth leaders will meet in Nigeria.

Nigeria Information Service Centre
October 18, 2002.