Nigeria Supports OIC Efforts, Calls for Urgent Negotiations and Peace, Prioritizes Safety in World Conflict Zones.
By Raymond Enoch
In a strong and principled address at the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to international peace, security, and humanitarian efforts across conflict zones, particularly in the Sahel, the Middle East, and Gaza.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, delivered Nigeria’s position during the high-level meeting held in Istanbul, Republic of Türkiye, under the theme “The OIC in a Transforming World.” His speech was a clarion call for decisive action, unity, and diplomacy among OIC member states in addressing global challenges.
Ambassador Ahmed expressed deep appreciation to the Turkish government for its warm hospitality and commended Türkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Hakan Fidan, for his leadership as Chair of the 51st Session. He also congratulated the elected Vice Chairs—Palestine, Mauritania, and Côte d’Ivoire—as well as Cameroon, which serves as Rapporteur.
The Ambassador emphasized that Nigeria stands firmly with the OIC in its mission to foster global peace, sustainable development, and respect for sovereignty and human dignity. He urged the organization to continue leveraging its collective strength to confront armed conflict, terrorism, and the escalating climate crisis, which disproportionately affect the Sahel and Middle East regions.
In a significant moment, Ambassador Ahmed dropped a powerful hint about Nigeria’s position, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s earlier remarks at the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in 2024:
“No political motive, military strategy, or security consideration justifies the loss of innocent lives,” he stated, referencing the continuing violence in Gaza.
“Humanitarian aid is not a privilege but a fundamental human right.”
The Ambassador called on all parties in Sudan to urgently pursue dialogue, decrying the “unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe” unfolding in the region. He further appealed for the de-escalation of tensions between Iran and the United States, emphasizing diplomacy as the only path to stability.
Reiterating Nigeria’s voice for the oppressed, Ambassador Ahmed urged all OIC member states to prioritize institution-building, human rights protection, and access to education and healthcare, especially for women and children affected by war.
Nigeria pledged its active cooperation in collective efforts to secure peace, uphold human dignity, and protect vulnerable communities across the globe. The country’s message was clear: time for action is now.
