Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with particular emphasis on humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, counter-extremism, cultural exchange and socio-economic development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, made this known when he received the Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ambassador Dr Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.
In a statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Ebienfa, Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives and programmes of the OIC while proposing the establishment of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs.
He said the proposed mechanism would enhance regional coordination in addressing insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, while promoting interfaith dialogue and support for displaced populations.
The Permanent Secretary 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.
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He further called for stronger OIC-supported initiatives in vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare development to ensure that the Organisation’s programmes deliver greater tangible benefits to citizens.
In his response, Bakheet commended Nigeria’s active and constructive role within the OIC and expressed the Organisation’s readiness to deepen cooperation with the country in areas of mutual interest.
He invited Nigeria to consider hosting the next OIC Social Development Conference and annual cultural festivals, while encouraging greater Nigerian representation in managerial positions within the Organisation.
Both sides stressed 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 OIC official that Nigeria would participate in the forthcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled for August 27, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where the election of a new Secretary-General of the Organisation is expected to take place.
The meeting, according to the Ministry, was held in a cordial atmosphere and further underscored the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the OIC.
