AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, has 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.
Ambassador Enikanolaiye stated this on Thursday, 27th August 2026, while delivering Nigeria’s Official Statement at the 23rd Extraordinary Session of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
The Minister commended the OIC leadership for convening the Extraordinary Session, noting that Nigeria’s participation is 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 H.E. 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, H.E. Hissein Brahim Taha, for a successful tenure and wished him well in future endeavours.
In a related development, Ambassador Enikanolaiye held a one-on-one meeting with the newly-elected Secretary-General, H.E. Ismaïl Ould Cheikh Ahmed the first delegation he received immediately after his election.
During the meeting, the Minister conveyed congratulations to him on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR and the people of Nigeria.
The Minister pledged Nigeria’s support for the success of his tenure and reiterated the call for greater visibility