FG Seeks OIC Backing on Security, Humanitarian Response and Economic Growth

Nigeria is taking a bold step onto the international stage as it prepares to participate in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. More than a routine diplomatic engagement, the gathering presents an opportunity for the Federal Government to pursue strategic partnerships capable of addressing some of the country’s most pressing challenges, including insecurity, humanitarian crises, youth unemployment and economic diversification.

Leading the Nigerian delegation is the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, who has made it clear that the country’s participation will be guided by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the administration’s foreign policy framework built around the pillars of Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy. According to the minister, Nigeria is not attending the summit merely to participate in discussions but to seek practical outcomes that will translate into real benefits for citizens.

At the heart of Nigeria’s agenda is the pursuit of stronger cooperation on security and humanitarian affairs. The Federal Government plans to advocate for the operationalisation of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs, an initiative expected to strengthen regional collaboration in responding to insecurity and humanitarian emergencies, particularly in the Lake Chad Basin and the wider Sahel region. These areas continue to face significant challenges arising from terrorism, violent extremism, displacement and recurring humanitarian crises that have disrupted livelihoods and placed enormous pressure on governments and communities.

The proposed partnership is expected to focus on the rehabilitation of displaced populations, the reconstruction of communities devastated by conflict and the promotion of interfaith dialogue as a means of fostering peace and social cohesion. For Nigeria, which continues to confront security threats in several parts of the country, greater international cooperation could provide much-needed support in addressing these challenges while enhancing regional stability.

Beyond security concerns, the Jeddah meeting offers Nigeria an important platform to deepen its economic diplomacy. The government intends to showcase investment opportunities created by ongoing economic reforms and attract investors from across the OIC member states. Key sectors expected to be highlighted include agriculture, manufacturing, automotive production, oil and gas, commerce and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).

The Federal Government believes that increased investment in these sectors will not only stimulate economic growth but also create jobs, boost productivity and accelerate efforts to diversify the economy away from excessive dependence on oil revenues. By pursuing both Business-to-Business and Business-to-Government partnerships, Nigeria hopes to attract foreign direct investment and unlock new opportunities for industrial expansion and sustainable development.

Another major component of Nigeria’s engagement at the summit is youth empowerment. With one of the largest youth populations in the world, the country is seeking expanded OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, healthcare, women’s empowerment and cultural exchanges. Government officials view investment in human capital as critical to preparing young Nigerians for emerging economic opportunities while promoting peace and cooperation among member states.

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According to Ambassador Enikanolaiye, equipping young people with relevant skills and opportunities is essential for long-term development. Strengthening partnerships in education, vocational training and entrepreneurship could help address unemployment challenges and create pathways for economic inclusion across different sectors of society.

The meeting is also expected to address important institutional matters within the OIC, including the election of a new Secretary-General. Nigeria has indicated that it will engage actively in the process and support leadership committed to reform, unity and programmes that directly impact the lives of citizens across member countries. The outcome of the election is likely to influence the organisation’s direction and effectiveness in responding to contemporary global challenges.

In making its case before fellow member states, Nigeria is also expected to highlight its longstanding commitment to the OIC. Since becoming a member in 1986, the country has participated actively in the organisation’s activities and benefited from development projects and programmes supported by OIC institutions. Government officials argue that Nigeria’s involvement in the organisation should be viewed through the lens of development cooperation rather than religious affiliation, emphasizing that OIC-backed initiatives have historically provided assistance without discrimination.

The Jeddah summit will further provide opportunities for bilateral meetings between Nigerian officials and their counterparts from other member states. These discussions are expected to focus on areas such as investment, security cooperation, humanitarian assistance and economic development, with the aim of translating diplomatic engagements into concrete outcomes.

Ultimately, Nigeria’s participation in the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting reflects a broader strategy of leveraging international partnerships to advance national development goals. As the country seeks solutions to security challenges, greater economic opportunities and improved living conditions for its citizens, the Jeddah engagement represents an opportunity to strengthen alliances and secure support that could contribute meaningfully to these objectives.

For the Federal Government, the mission is about far more than diplomacy. It is about using Nigeria’s position within the OIC to attract investment, build strategic partnerships, promote regional stability and create opportunities that can improve the lives of millions of Nigerians. Whether through enhanced humanitarian cooperation, stronger security collaboration or increased economic engagement, the outcome of the summit could play an important role in shaping the country’s development trajectory in the years ahead.