Nigeria and OIC propose joint working group for Sahel and Lake Chad

Nigeria and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) are seeking to deepen bilateral cooperation to address security and humanitarian crises in the Sahel and Lake Chad Basin. During a high-level meeting in Abuja, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, proposed the establishment of a Nigeria–OIC Working Group on Humanitarian Affairs.

The proposed working group aims to enhance regional coordination regarding insecurity, humanitarian challenges, interfaith dialogue, and assistance for displaced populations. Ambassador Ahmed also advocated for increased cooperation in youth empowerment, vocational training, women’s empowerment, healthcare development, and countering extremism.

OIC Assistant Secretary-General Ambassador Dr. Tarig Ali Bakheet expressed the organization’s readiness to strengthen ties and commended Nigeria’s constructive role within the 57-member body. Bakheet invited Nigeria to host the upcoming OIC Social Development Conference and annual cultural festivals to promote peace and mutual understanding through cultural exchange.