Nigeria, OIC Move to Deepen Cooperation on Humanitarian Affairs, Youth Empowerment
Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, with a focus on humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, counter-extremism, cultural exchange, capacity building and socio-economic development.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, stated this when he received the Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, August 12, 2026.
The meeting provided an opportunity for both sides to review the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the OIC and explore practical areas for deeper collaboration.
Ambassador Dunoma reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives and programmes of the OIC and proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs.
He said the proposed platform would strengthen regional coordination in responding to insecurity and humanitarian challenges across the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, while also promoting interfaith dialogue and support for displaced populations.
Nigeria Seeks Greater Support for Youths and Women
The Permanent Secretary also called for expanded OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare development, stressing the need for international partnerships to translate into tangible benefits for citizens.
He advocated greater cultural cooperation among OIC member states, including the organisation of cultural festivals that would expose young people to diverse cultural traditions while promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding.
According to him, cultural exchange could serve as an important tool for strengthening relationships among member states and building greater understanding among their younger populations.
OIC Commends Nigeria’s Role
In his response, Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet commended Nigeria for its 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 also encouraging stronger Nigerian representation in managerial positions within the Organisation.
Both sides agreed on the importance of sustained high-level engagement and practical cooperation to advance shared interests and contribute to the development of Nigeria, OIC member states and the wider Islamic world.
Nigeria to Attend OIC Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
Ambassador Dunoma also assured the visiting OIC official that Nigeria would participate in the forthcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting, scheduled to take place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 27, 2026.
The meeting is expected to include the election of a new Secretary-General of the Organisation.
The engagement, which was held in a cordial atmosphere, further underscored the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the shared commitment to expanding cooperation in areas that promote peace, development and improved livelihoods.
Nigeria, OIC Move to Deepen Cooperation on Humanitarian Affairs, Youth Empowerment