Nigeria Targets Global Image Reset, Future Hosting Rights at World Social Forum
Folalumi Alaran in Abuja
Nigeria for the first time will participate as a unified national delegation at the 17th World Social Forum (WSF), deploying about 120 delegates to the global gathering in Cotonou, Benin Republic, as part of efforts to reposition the country’s international image and campaign to host a future edition of the forum.
The delegation expected to join representatives from over 130 countries at the August 4-8, 2026 event, said it would use the platform to showcase Nigeria’s investment potential, cultural heritage, tourism assets and commitment to peace and sustainable development.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Chief Host of the Nigerian delegation, Ambassador Zainab Muhammed, described the country’s participation as historic, noting that it marks the first time Nigerian civil society organisations and stakeholders would attend the World Social Forum under a coordinated national platform rather than as individual groups.
She said the unified approach would enable participants to speak with one voice, promote African-led solutions to global social challenges and strengthen Nigeria’s leadership role on the continent.
According to her, the delegation will also seek international support for Nigeria’s bid to host a future edition of the World Social Forum.
“Every country will be showcasing its strengths. Nigeria will present itself as a destination for investment, peace and sustainable development,” Muhammed said.
She maintained that dialogue remains the most effective pathway to resolving global social challenges, describing the World Social Forum as an important platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange and peaceful engagement.
Muhammed said Nigerian delegates would participate in discussions on social justice, food sovereignty, food security, women’s empowerment and youth development, with a commitment to return with practical ideas capable of addressing development challenges in Nigeria and across Africa.
She disclosed that the delegation would depart Abuja on July 30 through Benin City and Lagos before arriving in Cotonou as part of the 5th West African Caravan to the World Social Forum, while commending the Republic of Benin for facilitating visa processing for Nigerian participants.
Also speaking, Executive Director of the Tourism Volunteers Network, Chief Phil Roberts, said the delegation would leverage the forum to counter negative perceptions about Nigeria and project the country’s strengths to the international community.
He said the delegation would intensify efforts to secure hosting rights for a future World Social Forum, calling on government institutions, development partners and Nigerians in the diaspora to support the campaign.
According to Roberts, many of Africa’s socio-economic challenges, including youth unemployment, gender inequality, discrimination against women and limited access to finance and land ownership, require home-grown solutions driven by Africans.
He added that participants would use the forum to exchange ideas, develop practical strategies and replicate successful community-based initiatives across the continent.
“Our objective is to ensure that the conversations translate into practical solutions that improve the lives of people in local communities. We want these ideas to become policies and programmes that drive real social change,” he said.
Communications Officer for World Social Forum Nigeria, Jeremiah Agala, said the event would bring together participants from across the world to deliberate on issues including human rights, land rights, food security, gender equality, youth development and economic inclusion.
He added that Nigeria’s delegation reflects broad national participation, with representatives drawn from non-governmental organizations across the 36 states of the federation.
