Nigeria has called for stronger intervention by the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in addressing the worsening humanitarian and security challenges confronting communities in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
The Federal Government made the call during a meeting between the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, and the Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, in Abuja.
Ahmed proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs as a dedicated platform for coordinating responses to insecurity, displacement and other humanitarian challenges affecting the region.
The proposal formed part of Nigeria’s broader push for the OIC to translate its partnership with the country into practical interventions capable of improving the lives of vulnerable populations.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the Permanent Secretary said the proposed working group would also promote interfaith dialogue and facilitate assistance to people displaced by conflict.
The initiative is particularly significant for the Lake Chad Basin and wider Sahel region, where insecurity has contributed to displacement, disrupted livelihoods and increased humanitarian needs.
Ahmed also urged the OIC to expand its support for development-oriented interventions, particularly vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare.
He argued that strengthening human capital and expanding economic opportunities remained critical components of efforts to address the underlying vulnerabilities that could fuel insecurity and social instability.
The Permanent Secretary equally sought greater cooperation in youth development and countering extremism, stressing the importance of equipping young people with skills and opportunities that could contribute to peace and socio-economic development.
Nigeria further proposed stronger cultural cooperation among OIC member states, including the organisation of cultural festivals designed to expose young people to the diverse traditions and heritage of member countries.
Such initiatives, Ahmed noted, would help promote peace, unity and mutual understanding among young people across the OIC community.
Responding, Bakheet commended Nigeria’s active and constructive participation in the affairs of the OIC and assured the country of the organisation’s readiness to strengthen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The OIC official invited Nigeria to consider hosting the next OIC Social Development Conference, as well as annual cultural festivals.
He also called for increased Nigerian representation in managerial positions within the organisation, highlighting the potential for the country to play a greater role in the OIC’s institutional structure.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for Nigeria to reaffirm its commitment to sustained engagement with the organisation.
Ahmed assured Bakheet that Nigeria would participate in the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled for August 27, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
