Nigeria, OIC Pledge Deeper Partnership on Security, Trade, Humanitarian Issues
Kuni Tyessi in Abuja
Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Dr. Yakubu N. Gambo, with concurrent accreditation to Oman and Yemen, and Permanent Representative to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), has formally presented his Letters of Credence to the OIC Secretary-General, Mr. Hissein Brahim Taha, at the OIC Headquarters in Jeddah.
The ceremony marks a renewed chapter in Nigeria’s engagement with the 57-member organisation.
In a statement signed by the media aide, Idris Sarauta, the Secretary-General who received Gambo underscored the longstanding fraternal ties between the OIC and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In his remarks, Mr. Taha welcomed the resumption of Nigeria’s Permanent Representation and described it as a timely step toward deepening mutual understanding and solidarity among member states.
Gambo conveyed the goodwill and greetings of President Bola Tinubu and the Government of Nigeria to the OIC leadership while reaffirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to the principles and objectives of the OIC Charter, and to working in close partnership to advance the collective interests of the Ummah.
In a demonstration of strengthened diplomatic engagement, the Secretary-General reaffirmed the OIC’s solidarity with Nigeria, particularly in addressing the security challenges confronting the country and other African Member States.
He stressed that the Organisation stands ready to support Nigeria through enhanced cooperation in counter-terrorism, peacebuilding, and regional stability.
Gambo expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded to him and the Nigerian delegation, while noting that Nigeria values the OIC as a vital platform for dialogue, multilateral diplomacy, and the promotion of shared values of peace, tolerance, and development.
Both sides emphasized the importance of fostering stronger political consultation between Abuja and the OIC Secretariat and agreed to intensify regular engagement to ensure that Nigeria’s voice continues to contribute meaningfully to policy formulation within the Organisation, in the spirit of unity and mutual respect.
On economic cooperation, Ambassador Gambo highlighted opportunities for expanded trade, investment, and technical partnership between Nigeria and OIC Member States.
He underscored Nigeria’s role as Africa’s largest economy and called for deeper collaboration in agriculture, energy, infrastructure, livestock, and Islamic finance to unlock shared prosperity.
The two leaders also discussed humanitarian priorities, including support for internally displaced persons, education, and healthcare.
The Secretary-General commended Nigeria’s efforts in providing relief and pledged the OIC’s continued support through its humanitarian agencies, reaffirming the Organisation’s commitment to human dignity and social welfare across member states.
With regard to security, both parties agreed that sustainable peace requires joint action. Gambo welcomed the OIC’s commitment to work with Nigeria and other African states to address terrorism, violent extremism, and transnational crime, noting that enhanced intelligence sharing and capacity building will be central to this partnership.
Both Ambassador Gambo and Secretary-General Taha expressed optimism that this renewed diplomatic presence will consolidate bridges of friendship, promote intercultural understanding, and advance the shared vision of a more peaceful and prosperous Islamic world.
