PRESS RELEASE: Lagos, Nigeria | 2 November 2026
The Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. (AAAI) has called for the explicit recognition of Nigeria and the wider African continent in the ongoing international conversation on the transatlantic slave trade, historical accountability and reparatory justice, ahead of the anticipated address by His Majesty King Charles III at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda.
The Association believes that any meaningful conversation about the historical consequences of slavery must recognise Africa not merely as a geographical reference, but as an essential stakeholder whose communities, institutions, economies and cultural heritage suffered profound consequences.
While acknowledging the legitimate concerns and leadership of Caribbean nations in seeking historical recognition and reparatory justice, AAAI maintains that the conversation must be inclusive and historically comprehensive.
Africa was central to the human tragedy of the transatlantic slave trade. The territories that constitute present-day Nigeria were among the affected regions, particularly through the historic Bight of Benin and Bight of Biafra. The forced displacement of African men, women and children had consequences that extended beyond the immediate loss of human lives to family structures, traditional institutions, economic development and cultural continuity.
NIGERIA’S HISTORICAL PLACE MUST BE RECOGNISED
According to AAAI, Nigeria’s position as a major African nation and Commonwealth member makes its meaningful participation in this conversation particularly important.
It would be historically incomplete for discussions on slavery and reparatory justice to focus exclusively on the Caribbean experience without adequately acknowledging the African communities from which millions of enslaved people were taken.
The Association therefore calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria, particularly the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to engage relevant Commonwealth, African Union and CARICOM institutions to ensure that Nigeria’s historical experience is adequately represented.
BEYOND APOLOGIES: A CONSTRUCTIVE PATH TO RECONCILIATION
AAAI believes that historical acknowledgement should provide the foundation for meaningful international cooperation.
The Association advocates:
- Formal recognition of Africa’s central place in the history of the transatlantic slave trade.
- Inclusive participation of Nigeria and other affected African countries in discussions on reparatory justice.
- Cultural restoration, including constructive engagement on the return of African artefacts and heritage materials.
- Educational partnerships to preserve historical truth and promote greater awareness among younger generations.
- Equitable developmental partnerships in education, technology, healthcare, infrastructure and economic advancement.
- Stronger African-Caribbean cooperation based on shared ancestry, historical experience and mutual development.
These proposals are not intended to diminish the Caribbean’s legitimate pursuit of historical justice. Rather, they seek to ensure that the African dimension of this shared history receives the recognition it deserves.
THE ANIOMA VOICE IN A GLOBAL CONVERSATION
Speaking on behalf of the Association, its President-General, Apst. Patrick A. Nwanze, JP (Agu-Anioma), Business Development/Safety Consultant, emphasised that historical justice must be approached with fairness, inclusiveness and a proper understanding of the interconnected experiences of Africa and the Caribbean.
He stated:
“The Atlantic Ocean may separate Africa from the Caribbean geographically, but history, ancestry and humanity connect them indelibly. Nigeria must not be an afterthought in a conversation about a tragedy that profoundly affected our continent.
We recognise the Caribbean’s legitimate voice and aspirations. However, the African dimension must receive equal historical consideration. This is not about competing for recognition; it is about ensuring that history is told completely and that all affected peoples have a voice in shaping the future.”
The President-General further stressed that the Commonwealth’s principles of equality, cooperation and shared responsibility should be reflected in its approach to historical injustice.
OUR POSITION
The Apex Association of Anioma Indigenes Inc. reiterates that the history of slavery is not exclusively Caribbean history, nor is it merely a chapter in British colonial history. It is also African history, Nigerian history and a defining chapter in the shared history of humanity.
As King Charles III engages Commonwealth leaders in Antigua and Barbuda, AAAI respectfully urges that Nigeria and the wider African continent be accorded their rightful place in the conversation.
Nigeria must have a voice. Africa must have a place. History must be told in its entirety.
Issued by:
APEX ASSOCIATION OF ANIOMA INDIGENES INC. (AAAI) Through the Office of the President-General
Apst. Patrick A. Nwanze, JP (Agu-Anioma) President-General Business Development/Safety Consultant
AAAI MOTTO: WE ARE LEAVING NO ONE BEHIND.
