Nigeria Demands Stronger OIC Action on Africa, Palestine, Seeks More Roles for Nigerians

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigeria has urged the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to move beyond expressions of solidarity and take concrete action on Africa’s security, humanitarian and development challenges, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the call on Thursday, August 27, 2026, while presenting Nigeria’s official statement at the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the OIC, describing the organisation as an important platform for promoting peace, development, solidarity and the collective interests of its member states.

He said Nigeria’s engagement with the OIC was anchored on its Islamic heritage, religious diversity and commitment to multilateralism, peaceful settlement of disputes, international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Nigeria backs new OIC leadership

The minister congratulated the newly elected OIC Secretary-General, Ismaïl Ould Cheikh Ahmed, and pledged Nigeria’s cooperation towards the success of his tenure.

He stressed that leadership selection within the organisation should be guided by competence, integrity, experience, geographical balance, rotation, consensus and equal opportunity.

“Nigeria is delighted that Member States withdrew their candidates in a spirit of solidarity and shared focus. We commit to working closely with the new Secretary-General for the success of his tenure,” he said.

Enikanolaiye also commended the outgoing Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, for his service to the organisation.

Shortly after his election, Ahmed received Enikanolaiye for a bilateral meeting, making Nigeria the first delegation to meet with the new OIC chief.

The Nigerian minister conveyed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s congratulations to Ahmed and pledged Nigeria’s support for his administration.

He also called for greater visibility of OIC programmes and projects in Nigeria and urged the organisation to provide more opportunities for qualified Nigerians to serve within the OIC Secretariat and other institutions.

Nigeria demands stronger action on Palestine

Nigeria also reaffirmed its support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and an independent and sovereign state based on the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Enikanolaiye expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance and an enduring cessation of hostilities.

He said Nigeria opposed forced displacement, annexation and any actions designed to alter the demographic, territorial or legal character of the occupied Palestinian territories and Al-Quds Al-Sharif.

“Nigeria further supports the preservation of the historical and religious character of Al-Quds and the protection of access to its holy sites,” he said.

Focus on Africa

The minister urged the OIC to devote greater attention to Africa’s security and development challenges, particularly the crises confronting countries in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.

He called for deeper OIC-African Union cooperation in counter-terrorism, peace and security, humanitarian assistance, food and energy security, trade, investment, education, youth empowerment, climate change and infrastructure.

Nigeria, he said, was prepared to work with the new OIC leadership to translate cooperation into practical benefits for citizens.

As part of the initiative, Nigeria proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs, focusing on insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.

Enikanolaiye also welcomed OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment, healthcare, youth development and cultural cooperation.

He urged the organisation to move “from OIC solidarity to OIC-supported, measurable development outcomes” for Nigerians and other African member states.

Nigeria, Saudi Arabia deepen cooperation

On the margins of the OIC meeting, Enikanolaiye held talks with Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Waleed Al-Khuraiji.

The discussions covered trade, investment, security and the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation under the OIC framework.

The minister also met Sierra Leone’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mohammed Rahman Swaray, where they discussed regional peace and security, economic integration, South-South cooperation and coordination of African positions at multilateral forums.

He further met the Chairman of the Saudi-Nigerian Business Council, Engr. Sultan Bin Mahdi Al Dabbara, to explore opportunities for deeper business-to-business partnerships between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia.

‘Solidarity must produce results’

Enikanolaiye, in his concluding remarks, called for greater unity, consensus and practical action within the OIC.

He said the organisation must demonstrate tangible results if it is to remain relevant in the changing global order.

The minister expressed Nigeria’s appreciation to the government and people of Saudi Arabia, as well as the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, for hosting the OIC Secretariat and the extraordinary session.