The Muslim World League, in collaboration with the Jama’atu Izalatil Bidiah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), will on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, convene an International Security Conference in Abuja, with a focus on peaceful coexistence, national unity, religious harmony and security.
The conference, scheduled to take place at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, is expected to bring together religious leaders, policymakers and other stakeholders to examine the relationship between peace, security and socio-economic development.
It will also provide a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas on strengthening mutual understanding and peaceful relations among Muslims, Christians and adherents of other faiths.
The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed this on Monday during the inauguration of a newly constructed mosque in Abuja by the Secretary General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Islamic Scholars, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa.
Idris, who had earlier received Sheikh Al-Issa at the Presidential Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and accompanied him to the mosque inauguration, described the visit as a reflection of the strong relationship between Nigeria, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the international community.
He said the planned conference was coming at a significant period in the country’s development, as the Federal Government continues to strengthen Nigeria’s national security architecture while implementing reforms and investments designed to accelerate socio-economic development.
According to the Minister, the Tinubu administration recognises peace and security as critical foundations for sustainable economic growth, national stability and Nigeria’s ability to play a leading role in Africa.
Idris reaffirmed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, religious harmony and national unity, stressing that the administration would continue to pursue initiatives capable of strengthening peace and stability within the country.
“The President is determined to ensure peace and tranquillity not just in Nigeria, but around the world. This is a clear demonstration of the path that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is taking,” Idris said.
The Minister further noted that Nigeria, being Africa’s most populous country, had a significant responsibility to contribute to peace and stability across the continent.
He said a peaceful and secure Nigeria would have a positive impact beyond its borders, particularly in West Africa and the wider African continent.
Idris described the International Security Conference as an important opportunity for religious leaders and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and develop practical approaches to addressing challenges affecting peaceful coexistence and security.
He said the conference would also strengthen mutual understanding among different religious communities and promote a culture of dialogue as a tool for preventing conflict and building social cohesion.
The Minister commended the Muslim World League, JIBWIS, the Government of Saudi Arabia and other stakeholders for facilitating Sheikh Al-Issa’s visit to Nigeria and supporting the establishment of the newly inaugurated mosque.
He also expressed appreciation to Sheikh Al-Issa for his sustained efforts to promote peace, dialogue and understanding among faith communities globally.
Earlier, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa commended President Tinubu for his efforts to promote peaceful coexistence between Muslims and non-Muslims in Nigeria.
The Muslim World League Secretary General said peace and harmony in Nigeria would have implications far beyond the country, given its strategic position and influence in West Africa.
He stressed that Nigeria’s stability would contribute significantly to peace and security in the sub-region and the wider international community.
Sheikh Al-Issa said the central focus of his visit was the promotion of peace and peaceful coexistence, expressing confidence that the Abuja conference would provide a meaningful platform for advancing dialogue, understanding and harmony.
The conference is expected to bring together religious leaders, government officials, policymakers and other stakeholders to deliberate on security challenges and the role of religious and community leaders in promoting peaceful societies.
The visit and conference also underscore the longstanding bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, particularly in areas involving religious engagement, dialogue, peacebuilding and broader cooperation.
Sheikh Al-Issa was received at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport by several senior Nigerian officials and political leaders.
Those who received him included the Executive Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto; Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi; Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, representing Sokoto North Senatorial District; Senator Mohammed Danjuma Goje, representing Gombe Central Senatorial District; and Senator Ahmed Sani Yerima, among other dignitaries.
