The Federal Government has proposed stronger cooperation with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, counter-extremism, cultural exchange and socio-economic development.
The proposal was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, when he received the Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the Ministry in Abuja, the Spokesperson, of the Ministry, ErinKimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said in a statement.
Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives and programmes of the OIC, stressing the need for practical cooperation that would deliver tangible benefits to citizens.
He proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs to strengthen regional coordination in addressing insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
The Permanent Secretary also called for greater collaboration on interfaith dialogue and assistance to displaced populations.
He advocated increased cultural cooperation, including cultural festivals that would expose young people across OIC member states to diverse cultural heritage while promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding.
Ahmed further urged the OIC to strengthen programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare development.
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 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 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.