Senator Ned Nwoko has restated the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations to confronting the historical and contemporary injustices endured by Nigeria and the African continent.
Speaking at a high-level consultative forum with key stakeholders in Abuja, Senator Nwoko underscored the pressing need for decisive and sustained action in the pursuit of justice, restitution, and global accountability.
“For centuries, Africa has borne the brunt of grave injustices—from slavery and colonial exploitation to the ongoing patterns of economic marginalization,” Nwoko declared.
“Our Committee is resolute in addressing these issues with the seriousness they deserve.”
He emphasized that reparations should no longer be treated as symbolic gestures or abstract ideals but as concrete, measurable demands supported by historical records, legal precedents, and moral imperatives.
“Reparations are no longer theoretical. They are credible, legitimate demands that the international community must begin to treat with the urgency they warrant,” he said.
Senator Nwoko also broadened the conversation around repatriation, asserting that it must go beyond the physical return of looted artifacts to encompass the restoration of identity, memory, and sovereignty.
“Repatriation is not just about objects—it is about restoring dignity, reconnecting with heritage, and affirming our right to self-determination,” he noted.
He outlined the Committee’s core objectives, which include documenting historical and ongoing injustices, engaging stakeholders at all levels, and crafting comprehensive policy frameworks to guide Nigeria’s push for redress and international engagement.
“This is a long-overdue reckoning,” Nwoko said. “And we are committed to leading it with clarity, purpose, and unshakable conviction.”
The Abuja forum, attended by lawmakers, academics, civil society leaders, and international observers, signaled a pivotal step in Nigeria’s efforts to reposition reparations and repatriation at the heart of global justice discourse.
Participants at the forum expressed strong support for the Senate Committee’s mission and called for sustained collaboration to ensure meaningful and lasting outcomes.
