In November 1995, following the execution of nine pro-democracy campaigners including Ken Saro-Wiwa, leader of the Movement for the Survival of Ogoni Peoples, which campaigned against oil pollution by the multinational company Shell in the Niger Delta, Nigeria was suspended from the Commonwealth.
In April 1996, following discussions between Commonwealth ministers, the Commonwealth agreed to follow the EU in placing an arms embargo on Nigeria, after the military junta blocked a visit to inspect both human rights and democratic reforms.
In May 1999, the suspension of Nigeria from the Commonwealth was lifted, on the day the military were to handover to civilian rule.
In November 1999, the arms embargo was also lifted.