Nigeria Heads to Jeddah, Targets OIC Support for Youths, Investment, Humanitarian Response

By Iyojo Ameh

Nigeria is set to seek stronger partnerships with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in youth empowerment, humanitarian assistance, security and investment as the Council of Foreign Ministers meets in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, disclosed this ahead of the meeting, according to a statement signed by Raphael Oni, Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Digital Media and Public Diplomacy.

Enikanolaiye is leading Nigeria’s delegation to the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting scheduled for August 27, 2026, following the delegation’s departure from the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday.

The minister said Nigeria’s participation would be guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s 4-D Foreign Policy Doctrine — Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.

He described the trip as an opportunity to deepen strategic partnerships capable of delivering measurable benefits to Nigerians.

«“This is a journey of strategic partnership and purpose devoid of ideological or religious fixation. Nigeria goes to Jeddah to advance cooperation that delivers real benefits to our people,” Enikanolaiye said.»

Nigeria pushes humanitarian cooperation

A major priority for Nigeria at the meeting will be the proposed operationalisation of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs.

Enikanolaiye said the mechanism would strengthen cooperation in addressing insecurity and humanitarian challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.

He said the initiative would also support interfaith dialogue, the rehabilitation of displaced communities and regional efforts to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

Youth empowerment, women’s development

Nigeria is expected to seek expanded OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment, healthcare and cultural exchanges.

According to the minister, greater collaboration in these areas would help Nigerian youths acquire relevant skills while strengthening peace and unity among member states.

Investment opportunities take centre stage

Economic diplomacy will form another key component of Nigeria’s participation.

The delegation is expected to present investment opportunities created by the Federal Government’s economic reforms in sectors including agriculture, manufacturing, business process outsourcing, automotive, oil and gas and commerce.

Nigeria will also engage OIC investors and institutions on Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government partnerships aimed at attracting foreign direct investment and supporting economic diversification.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria intended to use its OIC membership to build practical economic partnerships that would translate into opportunities for Nigerians.

Nigeria to participate in OIC leadership process

The meeting is also expected to include the election of a new Secretary-General of the OIC.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would participate constructively in the process and support leadership focused on unity, institutional reform and people-centred programmes across the 57-member organisation.

He noted that the OIC had implemented several programmes and projects in Nigeria, stressing that the initiatives had been undertaken without religious bias.

«“Nigeria remains a committed member of the OIC. We will work with all member states to ensure our collective decisions reflect the aspirations of over 1.8 billion people and contribute to global peace and development,” he said.»

Nigeria has been an active member of the OIC since 1986.

The minister reaffirmed the country’s commitment to multilateralism and stronger cooperation among member states.

He is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with foreign ministers and OIC officials on the sidelines of the meeting as Nigeria seeks to advance its diplomatic, economic and security interests.