Senator Ned Nwoko has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Senate Committee on Reparations and Repatriations to addressing historical and contemporary injustices suffered by Nigeria and the African continent.
Speaking at a consultative forum with key stakeholders in Abuja, Senator Nwoko emphasized the urgent need for tangible actions in pursuit of justice and restitution.
“Injustices such as slavery, colonial exploitation, and ongoing economic marginalization have shaped the African experience for centuries,” Nwoko stated. “Our Committee is determined to confront these issues head-on.”
He noted that reparations should no longer be viewed as abstract or symbolic demands, but as practical and measurable objectives rooted in historical evidence, legal frameworks, and moral responsibility.
“Reparations are no longer theoretical aspirations,” he said. “They are legitimate demands that must be taken seriously by the global community.”
Senator Nwoko also stressed that repatriation efforts should extend beyond the return of stolen artifacts, highlighting their deeper significance. “Repatriation is about restoring memory, identity, and the right to self-determination,” he said.
According to him, the Senate Committee’s core mandate is to document past and present injustices, engage with stakeholders at all levels, and develop clear policy recommendations that will guide Nigeria’s efforts in seeking redress and international accountability.
“This is a long-overdue reckoning,” Nwoko noted. “And we are prepared to lead it with clarity, purpose, and conviction.”
The forum, attended by lawmakers, scholars, civil society representatives, and international observers, marked a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to place reparations and repatriation at the center of global justice discourse.
Stakeholders expressed broad support for the committee’s mission and called for sustained collaboration to achieve lasting impact.
