Topic: 2026 – Implementation of Sanctions
Country: Nigeria
Delegate Name: Aiden Lin
Throughout Nigeria’s history, it has been the target of sanctions. One of these sanctions occurred in 1993, the military overthrew the government of Nigeria and committed several acts of human rights violations, causing the implementation of sanctions by the United States and the European Union (EU). These sanctions placed upon Nigeria included suspension from the Commonwealth and arms sales, bans on visas for the military leaders, and a reduction of developmental aid. Nigeria, though, has also been an implementer of sanctions on other countries. Nigeria, along with other members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), sanctioned Niger, Mali, and Guinea due to a military coup that overthrew the government, contributing to the belief that sanctions may be useful, but only when used in strict and legitimate scenarios.
Currently, Nigeria believes sanctions should only be used as the final option, and before resorting, they encourage others to try more peaceful options first. Any sanctions that are imposed must be approved by the United Nations (UN) charter, and it is other countries’ acting alone in the form of unilateral sanctions that causes ineffectiveness. In addition to unilateral sanctions, Nigeria is also concerned with other countries using concepts, such as sexual orientation and gender, that aren’t clearly defined in international law as a basis to impose sanctions. It makes those sanctions biased and illegitimate. Therefore, due to these issues, Nigeria opposes the creation of any new UN legal responsibilities unless all members agree to it
Within the current process of sanctions, Nigeria believes there is a slight bias in the targets of sanctions. Many existing sanctions are placed on developing countries that are a part of the African Union, G-77- a coalition of developing nations such as Benin, Libya, Liberia, and more- , and the Non-Aligned Movement- countries such as Malaysia, Laos, Lesotho, all with the aim of keeping peace and security. When sanctions do need to be placed, the UN should aim to avoid harming the population and only try to seek compliance from the targeted country with its global responsibilities.
Nigeria, as a strong believer in sovereign equality, advocates for the end of the use of unilateral sanctions. If sanctions are to be placed, it should be multiple countries working together and imposing a multilateral sanction, that also requires approval by the UN Charter before going into place. These sanctions should be in the form of embargoes targeting a specific individual or group, instead of the general public. Furthermore, in order to eliminate any bias or unfairness in sanctions, the UN should require a report stating the reasons and actions for the sanctions. In order to ensure active sanctions are still fulfilling their needs, they should be reviewed periodically, around every 6 months, and updated when needed. By putting these practices into place, Nigeria believes it will lead to further peace, security, and individual sovereignty.
Baba, Stephen M. “Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations.” The Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations , 13 Oct. 2016, www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/71/pdfs/statements/charter_committee/nigeria.pdf Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Elumoye, Deji. “In the Spirit of Lent, Ramadan, ECOWAS Lifts Economic Sanctions on Niger,
Mali, Guinea.” THISDAY LIVE, 25 Feb. 2024, www.thisdaylive.com/2024/02/25/in-the-spirit-of-lent-ramadan-ecowas-lifts-economic-sanctions-on-niger-mali-guinea/. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Human Rights Watch. Nigeria: Human Rights Developments in Nigeria (or the specific title of the 1997 report). Human Rights Watch, 1997, www.hrw.org/reports/1997/nigeria/Nigeria-10.htm. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
Ringim, Bello. “Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the United Nations.” The Special Committee on the Charter of the United Nations , 22 Oct. 2015, www.un.org/en/ga/sixth/70/pdfs/statements/rule_of_law/nigeria.pdf. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
