ABUJA — Nigeria has proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs to strengthen regional coordination in tackling insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
The proposal was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, when he received the OIC Assistant Secretary-General, Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, August 12, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
Ahmed said the proposed working group would promote regional coordination in responding to insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, while also advancing interfaith dialogue and assistance to displaced populations.
The initiative formed part of discussions on strengthening longstanding Nigeria-OIC relations and expanding cooperation in humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, countering extremism, cultural exchange, capacity building and socio-economic development.
Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives and programmes of the OIC and called for greater practical cooperation to address challenges affecting communities across the region.
He also advocated increased cultural cooperation among OIC member states, including the organisation of cultural festivals aimed at exposing young people to diverse cultural heritage and promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding.
The Permanent Secretary further called for enhanced OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare development to ensure greater tangible impact on citizens.
Bakheet commended Nigeria’s “active and constructive role” within the OIC and expressed the organisation’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas of shared interest.
The OIC official invited Nigeria to consider hosting the next OIC Social Development Conference and annual cultural festivals, while encouraging stronger Nigerian representation in managerial positions within the organisation.
Both sides agreed on the importance of sustained high-level engagement and practical cooperation for the benefit of Nigeria, OIC member states and the wider Islamic world.
Ahmed also assured the visiting Assistant Secretary-General that Nigeria would participate in the forthcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 27, 2026, where the election of a new Secretary-General of the organisation is expected to take place.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, underscoring the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the OIC.
