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From Emmanuel Adeyemi, Lokoja
Nigeria has reaffirmed its unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and an independent and sovereign State based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, gave this assurance on Thursday while delivering Nigeria’s official statement at the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as a strategic platform for solidarity, peace, development, and the collective interests of member states.
The Minister expressed deep concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for the protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian assistance, and an enduring cessation of hostilities.
He said Nigeria opposes forced displacement, annexation, and other actions aimed at changing the demographic, territorial, or legal character of the occupied Palestinian territories and Al-Quds Al-Sharif.
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According to a statement from the Minister’s Media Office, Nigeria further supports the preservation of the historical and religious character of Al-Quds and the protection of access to its holy sites.
The Minister commended the OIC leadership for convening the Extraordinary Session, noting that Nigeria’s participation was informed by its Islamic heritage, domestic diversity, and broader commitment to multilateralism, peaceful resolution of disputes, respect for international law, and the principles of the UN Charter.
On the election of the OIC Secretary-General, Ambassador Enikanolaiye congratulated Ismaïl Ould Cheikh Ahmed on his emergence as the newly elected Secretary-General of the OIC.
He stressed the need to adhere to principled criteria for the election, including competence, integrity, experience, geographical balance, rotation, consensus, and equal opportunity.
“Nigeria is delighted that Member States withdrew their candidates in a spirit of solidarity and shared focus. We commit to working closely with the new Secretary-General for the success of his tenure,” the Minister said.
He also commended the outgoing Secretary-General, Hissein Brahim Taha, for a successful tenure and wished him well in future endeavours.
