By Joy Omagha Idam
Nigeria is set to deepen cooperation with member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, security and economic development as the country participates in the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Nigerian delegation is being led by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, ahead of the meeting scheduled for Wednesday, August 27, 2026. The delegation departed Nigeria through the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano, on Tuesday.
Speaking with journalists before his departure, Ambassador Enikanolaiye said Nigeria’s participation was strategically aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and the country’s 4-D Foreign Policy Doctrine of Demography, Development, Diaspora and Democracy.
“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,” the Minister of State said.
He explained that Nigeria’s engagement with the Islamic world was focused on securing practical partnerships capable of improving the lives of Nigerians.
“Under President Tinubu’s leadership, our focus goes beyond partisan religious orientation and persuasion. It is about bringing real benefits and development to Nigerians. Our focus remains peace and prosperity from stronger ties with the Islamic world,” Enikanolaiye stated.
Humanitarian and Security Cooperation
On humanitarian and security cooperation, the Minister disclosed that Nigeria would advocate the operationalisation of a Nigeria-OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs to strengthen regional responses to insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Lake Chad Basin and the Sahel.
He said the proposed framework would support interfaith dialogue, rehabilitation of displaced communities and stronger efforts to counter terrorism and violent extremism.
“Nigeria believes that humanitarian cooperation must translate into tangible support for communities affected by insecurity, displacement and poverty,” he said.
According to him, closer cooperation with the OIC would enable Nigeria to mobilise greater international support for communities affected by humanitarian crises.
Youth Empowerment
On youth development, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would push for expanded OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment, healthcare and cultural exchanges.
He noted that the initiatives would help equip Nigerian youths with skills and opportunities while promoting peace, unity and understanding among member states.
“Our young people must be at the centre of development. We want partnerships that provide them with skills, opportunities and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to national development,” the Minister said.
Economic Diplomacy
In the area of economic diplomacy, the Minister said Nigeria would use the platform to showcase the country’s ongoing economic reforms and investment opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He listed agriculture, manufacturing, Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), automotive, oil and gas, and commerce among the sectors Nigeria would present to prospective investors.
“Nigeria has enormous investment opportunities, and we are going to Jeddah to ensure that these opportunities are properly presented to investors and institutions within the OIC,” Enikanolaiye said.
He added that the Nigerian delegation would engage OIC investors and institutions on Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Government (B2G) partnerships aimed at attracting Foreign Direct Investment and accelerating economic diversification.
New OIC Secretary-General
On institutional matters, Enikanolaiye disclosed that the meeting would also feature the election of a new Secretary-General of the OIC.
He said Nigeria would participate constructively in the process and support leadership committed to unity, reform and people-centred programmes across the 57-member organisation.
“Nigeria will engage constructively to ensure that the emergence of leadership is one that is committed to unity, reform and programmes that put the people at the centre,” he stated.
The Minister further pointed out that the OIC had implemented several programmes and projects across Nigeria, many of which, he said, had been undertaken without religious bias.
“Unknown to many, the OIC has been executing many programmes and projects across the country without religious bias. These are areas where greater public awareness and cooperation can produce even more benefits for our people,” he said.
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Multilateralism
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to multilateralism, Enikanolaiye said the country would continue to strengthen solidarity and cooperation within the OIC, which he described as the second-largest intergovernmental organisation after the United Nations.
He recalled that Nigeria had been an active member of the OIC since 1986 and continued to play a significant role in promoting peace, development and cooperation among member states.
“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 added.
The Minister of State is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and senior OIC officials on the sidelines of the Council of Foreign Ministers meeting, with a view to advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests and strengthening bilateral and multilateral partnerships.
E-Signed:
Raphael Oni
Special Assistant to the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs on Digital Media and Public Diplomacy
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja, Nigeria