The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, PhD, received the Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet, at the Ministry’s Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, 12 August 2026.
The meeting reviewed the longstanding and cordial relations between Nigeria and the OIC, with discussions focusing on strengthening cooperation in humanitarian affairs, youth empowerment, countering extremism, cultural exchange, capacity building and socio-economic development.
Ambassador Dunoma reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the objectives and programmes of the OIC and proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs to promote regional coordination in addressing insecurity and humanitarian challenges in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin, as well as to advance interfaith dialogue and assistance to displaced populations.
He also advocated greater cultural cooperation, including the organisation of cultural festivals to expose young people across OIC member states to diverse cultural heritage and promote peace, unity and mutual understanding. He further called for enhanced OIC-supported programmes in vocational training, women’s empowerment and healthcare development to ensure greater tangible impact on citizens.
Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet commended Nigeria’s active and constructive role within the OIC and expressed the Organisation’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in areas of shared interest. He invited Nigeria to consider hosting the next OIC Social Development Conference and annual cultural festivals, while also encouraging stronger Nigerian representation in managerial positions within the Organisation.
Both sides agreed on the importance of sustained high-level engagement and practical cooperation for the benefit of Nigeria, OIC member states and the wider Islamic world.
The Permanent Secretary also assured the visiting Assistant Secretary-General that Nigeria would participate in the forthcoming OIC Council of Foreign Ministers Meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 27 August 2026, where the election of a new Secretary-General of the Organisation is expected to take place.
The meeting was held in a cordial atmosphere, underscoring the longstanding partnership between Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
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