ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) have moved to strengthen collaboration on disaster response, public health and community resilience following a high-level meeting in Abuja.
The development came as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the IFRC Head of Delegation, Dr. Ghulam Muhammed Awan. Details were contained in a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to expanding cooperation in humanitarian assistance, with a focus on disaster preparedness, climate resilience and support for vulnerable populations across Nigeria and the West African region.
Dr. Awan said the IFRC would continue to strengthen Nigeria’s humanitarian response through its network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.
“Our effectiveness is built upon internationally recognised humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which enable us to assist all persons in need without discrimination,” he said.
He described Nigeria as a strategic country within the Federation’s West and Central Africa operations, noting that ongoing collaboration with the Federal Government would help scale emergency response and capacity development efforts.
In her remarks, Odumegwu-Ojukwu assured the IFRC of Nigeria’s continued support, highlighting the critical role of the Red Cross Movement in delivering life-saving assistance during disasters, conflicts and disease outbreaks.
“The Red Cross has earned global respect through its commitment to humanity and voluntary service,” she said, commending the dedication of volunteers working under challenging conditions.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of community-based approaches to disaster risk reduction, with both parties agreeing that stronger local engagement is key to effective humanitarian delivery.
The engagement forms part of broader efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen institutional partnerships and enhance Nigeria’s capacity to respond to humanitarian emergencies.
