Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting human rights, peaceful coexistence, and international cooperation.
The commitment was made when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, received a delegation from the First Step Forum in Abuja.
Ambassador Ahmed, while addressing the forum, highlighted Nigeria’s identity as a multicultural and multi-religious nation governed by the rule of law.
He acknowledged the existing security and developmental challenges and emphasised the government’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and fundamental rights.
He further outlined Nigeria’s foreign policy anchored on the “4-Ds”—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora—and reaffirmed the country’s leadership role in regional organisations such as ECOWAS and the African Union.
On economic diplomacy, he reiterated Nigeria’s focus on attracting foreign investment and leveraging opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The permanent secretary also proposed a structured framework of cooperation between the forum and Nigeria’s National Assembly, including a possible memorandum of understanding.
Leading the First Step delegation, Marc Jost described the Forum as a global coalition of parliamentarians, former leaders, diplomats, and civil society actors working to advance religious freedom, human rights, and peace. He noted that the visit, facilitated by the Christian Legislators Fellowship, aimed to strengthen dialogue with Nigerian stakeholders across government and civil society.
Further discussions focused on enhancing cooperation between Nigeria and European partners in areas such as security, governance, and economic development.
The delegation also sought deeper insight into Nigeria’s foreign policy direction and investment climate.
Both parties expressed optimism that the engagement would deepen collaboration and promote shared values of peace, human rights, and mutual respect.