By Gloria Ikibah
Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation in key areas, including humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, cultural exchange, countering extremism and socio-economic development.
This formed the focus of discussions when the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received the Assistant Secretary-General of the OIC, Ambassador Dr Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the ministry’s headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday. 
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, both officials reviewed the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and the OIC and explored new areas of collaboration aimed at addressing emerging regional challenges.
During the meeting, Ambassador Dunoma reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals and programmes of the organisation and proposed the establishment of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs.
He said the initiative will strengthen regional coordination in tackling insecurity and the growing humanitarian crisis in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin.
The Permanent Secretary also stressed the need to promote interfaith dialogue and provide greater support for displaced populations across the region.
He further advocated stronger cultural cooperation among member states, including the organisation of cultural festivals to encourage greater interaction among young people.
According to him, such initiatives will expose young people to diverse cultural traditions while promoting peace, unity and mutual understanding.
Ambassador Dunoma also called for increased support for vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare programmes.
He emphasised the need for OIC-backed interventions that will have a direct and measurable impact on the lives of citizens.
On his part, Ambassador Bakheet commended Nigeria for what he described as its active and constructive role within the organisation.
He reaffirmed the OIC’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas of mutual interest.
The Assistant Secretary-General also invited Nigeria to consider hosting the next OIC Social Development Conference, as well as the organisation’s annual cultural festivals.
He further encouraged greater Nigerian participation in the management structure of the organisation.
Both officials agreed that sustained high-level engagement and practical cooperation will be crucial to advancing the interests of Nigeria, OIC member states and the wider Islamic world.
The Permanent Secretary also assured the visiting OIC official that Nigeria will participate in the forthcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting scheduled to hold in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on August 27, 2026.
The meeting is expected to feature the election of a new Secretary-General of the organisation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the discussions were held in a cordial atmosphere, reflecting the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
