Jonathan fights for visa free commnwealth of nations

President Goodluck Jonathan has joined other commonwealth members in advocating for the adoption of the report of the Ramphal institute on movement of commonwealth citizens across borders which according to him will facilitate a visa free regime with the commonwealth countries for holders of Diplomatic and official passports.

 

Minister of Foreign Affairs Prof. (Mrs) Viola Onwurili while presenting the Nigerian position at a pre-commonwealth Head of government meeting (CHOGM) at a briefing in Abuja which is already ongoing in colombo, Sri lanka noted that it is the view of Nigeria that a visa free regime will promote trade, tourism and investments while enhancing the value of the commonwealth membership to citizens.

 

The Minister who told newsmen that Nigeria is attending CHOGM with a clear position on every item on the agenda said Nigeria observed that for the commonwealth to act as an economic power block, she is of the view that regional economic integration arrangement would be needed to be reformed to accommodate a commonwealth market in future adding that this will facilitate free movement of goods and services, thereby addressing the challenges of inclusiveness and empowerment.

 

She also maintained that Nigeria was also committed to the deepening of democratic values and governance from which it can draw on the collective experience of the commonwealth countries.

 

The Minister also noted the challenges of unemployment faced by youths and therefore support the strengthening of the commonwealth youth programme in terms of additional financing and private sector partnership such that the commonwealth youths programme can better deliver on its core mandate, and also disclosed that Nigeria will use the occasion to sign a memorandum of understanding with Sri Lanka during the meeting.

 

She further observed that the commonwealth which serve as a trusted partner for all commonwealth people as a force for peace, democracy, equality and good government and catalyst for global consensus building as well as a source for sustainable development and poverty eradication unlike other international organizations, the commonwealth lacks some of the attributes of a formal institution adding  that although in recent times it has begun to exert itself in defining practical goals and helping member states to work towards becoming a stronger and more effective organization.

 

This years summit which has the theme Growth with Equity: inclusive development, the Minister said is apt adding that it will focus on the importance of collaboration among member states in order to foster inclusive development.

 

The summit which will be preceded by the Foreign Ministers meeting on the agenda the review of global and economic development, including debt sustainability and report of the secretary General to be submitted to the heads of states including other reports from various commonwealth associations it is hoped it will greatly enhance Nigeria’s rising international visibility.