CSW70: Nigeria rejects ‘controversial concepts, terminologies’ in outcome document

By Tiamiyu Prudence Arobani

Nigeria has dissociated itself from what it termed “controversial concepts and terminologies in the outcome document of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70).

The Nigerian delegation, led by Amb. Syndoph Endoni, Chargé d’Affaires, Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN, also raised strong objections over the adoption process of CSW70 outcome document.

“Nigeria does not align with the introduction of new or expanded terminology that may give rise to controversial interpretations,” Endoni said.

The delegation cautioned that such language could “create obligations beyond those contained in globally agreed frameworks.”

Nigeria emphasized that the development raises broader sovereignty concerns, particularly in policy-sensitive areas.

“The current formulation of the text raises concerns regarding the preservation of national sovereignty,” Nigeria stated in its Explanation of Position.

Accordingly, Nigeria disassociated self from several expressions contained in the document.

Such expressions include but are not limited to “multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination” and “universal access to sexual and reproductive health”.

Other terminologies Nigeria cited are: “gender stereotypes,” “all forms of discrimination,” and “diverse situations, contexts, and conditions”.

Nigeria further objected to references to “gender-responsive” approaches in justice-related budgeting, arguing that “The interpretation and application of terms must remain consistent with national laws, cultural and religious values.”

Delegations at the conclusion of the 70th session of the Commission on the Status of Women at the UN Headquarters in New York

The Nigerian delegation reiterated that such interpretations “should reflect the understanding of the natural gender categories of male and female.”

Meanwhile, the delegation, while faulting the adoption process of the CSW70 outcome document, cited serious procedural concerns.

The “Agreed Conclusions”, which should be the official outcome document of the CSW, used to be adopted by consensus.

The “Agreed Conclusions” is a negotiated global policy document, outlining commitments and recommended actions to advance gender equality and women’s rights.

However, the Agreed Conclusions for CSW70 was fundamentally different from previous years as it was adopted by vote (37 in favour, one against and six abstentions).

This, Nigeria said, raised concerns about the legitimacy and integrity of the process.

“The manner in which the CSW70 outcome document was adopted raises concerns regarding the legitimacy and integrity of the process,” the Nigerian delegation said.

Nigeria noted that the document was adopted without consensus, stressing that such approach undermines established multilateral negotiation principles.

In spite of its objections, Endoni said Nigeria voted in support of the “Agreed Conclusions” document so as not to “throw away the baby with the bath water”.

“This conviction also led to Nigeria voting in favour of the Agreed Conclusions,” the delegation said.

Nigeria said it supported the overall outcome in line with its commitment to women’s empowerment and to avoid anything that could scuttle the process.

Nigeria re-affirmed its readiness to continue engaging with member states constructively within the United Nations system.

“Nigeria remains committed to constructive engagement in a manner that respects national contexts and internationally agreed frameworks,” Endoni stressed. (NAN)