ABUJA — Nigeria and the Community of Sant’Egidio have begun moves to strengthen cooperation on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue and humanitarian action following high-level talks in Abuja.
Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received a delegation of the Catholic lay organisation led by Professor Jan De Volder and Professor Stefano Orlando at Tafawa Balewa House.
The delegation, accompanied by officials of the Italian Embassy, held discussions focused on expanding collaboration in mediation, youth development, poverty reduction and support for vulnerable communities.
According to a statement signed by the Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting builds on earlier engagements between Sant’Egidio and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
Briefing the Nigerian side, Professor De Volder outlined Sant’Egidio’s activities across several states, highlighting grassroots efforts in peacebuilding, education and community dialogue.
He also extended an invitation to Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister to attend the 40th International Meeting for Peace scheduled for October 2026 in Assisi, Italy.
The delegation proposed the development of a formal cooperation framework to support sustained joint interventions in areas of mutual interest.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed commended the organisation’s global track record in peace and humanitarian service, reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to partner with faith-based and civil society groups.
“We remain open to partnerships that promote peaceful coexistence, social inclusion and conflict prevention,” he said.
He identified key areas for collaboration to include youth leadership and vocational training, interfaith engagement, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation and support for displaced persons.
Both parties agreed to continue consultations toward establishing a structured framework for cooperation and implementing joint programmes across Nigeria.
The development signals Nigeria’s renewed push to leverage international partnerships in addressing security challenges, humanitarian needs and community-level conflict resolution.
