By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and closer collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) following a high-level meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, and the federation’s new Head of Delegation, Ghulam Muhammed Awan.
The meeting, held in Abuja on Wednesday, came as Dr Awan formally presented his Letter of Commission and provided both sides with an opportunity to reaffirm their long-standing partnership in humanitarian assistance, disaster response, community resilience and the protection of vulnerable people. 
Welcoming the IFRC official, Odumegwu-Ojukwu congratulated him on his appointment and expressed confidence that his tenure would strengthen the federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region.
“I am confident that your tenure will further strengthen the Federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to support the important humanitarian mandate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,” the minister said.
She praised the work of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement, describing their contributions during disasters, armed conflicts, disease outbreaks and other emergencies as invaluable.
“The Red Cross has, over generations, earned global respect through its commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality and voluntary service,” she said.
Reflecting on her personal experiences, the minister recalled the organisation’s long-standing presence in Nigerian communities, saying its humanitarian activities had inspired generations of young people to support the less privileged.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu also paid tribute to Red Cross volunteers working in difficult environments across the country, noting that they often risk their lives to provide assistance without discrimination.
“The enduring legacy of the organisation continues to foster compassion, volunteerism and community service across generations.
“The neutrality of the Red Cross remains one of its greatest strengths, enabling it to assist solely based on need, irrespective of political, ethnic or religious considerations. It is also encouraging that humanitarian workers and volunteers in Nigeria continue to enjoy the confidence and cooperation of local communities, thereby facilitating the effective delivery of humanitarian assistance across the country,” she said.
In response, Dr Awan thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the federation’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s humanitarian response systems.
He stressed that the IFRC’s operations are guided by internationally recognised humanitarian principles.
“The Federation continues to strengthen community-based approaches to disaster preparedness and emergency response through its extensive network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.
“Our effectiveness is built upon the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence, which enable our volunteers to assist all persons in need without discrimination,” Awan said.
The IFRC official described Nigeria as a strategic partner within the federation’s West and Central Africa operations and expressed optimism that cooperation with the Federal Government would continue to grow.
“We look forward to expanding collaboration in disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, public health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian capacity development,” he added.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation in humanitarian action, disaster preparedness, the protection of vulnerable communities and the promotion of sustainable resilience across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
