Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has made a significant diplomatic move as he attends the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, scheduled to begin on November 11, 2024. The summit, hosted by Saudi King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, brings together leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world to discuss pressing regional issues, with a primary focus on the Israel-Palestine conflict.
In a statement released by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu is expected to advocate for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Palestine. He will also emphasize Nigeria’s support for renewed efforts towards a two-state solution, a longstanding framework that aims to establish independent Israeli and Palestinian states coexisting peacefully.
As a member of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Nigeria’s participation at this summit highlights its commitment to peace-building efforts in the Middle East. Tinubu’s presence is particularly noteworthy, given Nigeria’s ongoing internal struggles against Islamist insurgencies in its northern regions.
“Nigeria will advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region,” Onanuga affirmed. He noted that Tinubu’s address would focus on urging an immediate cessation of violence, emphasizing that dialogue is the most sustainable route to peace. This stance aligns with Nigeria’s historical support for Palestinian statehood within a framework that ensures security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
President Tinubu’s trip to Riyadh is not merely symbolic; it underscores Nigeria’s active engagement in international diplomacy. Accompanying him are key officials, including Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of Information and National Orientation Alhaji Mohammed Idris. Also part of the delegation is Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, the Director-General of Nigeria’s National Intelligence Agency.
The summit comes amid a renewed flare-up in the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has seen escalating tensions and civilian casualties on both sides. Tinubu’s call for a ceasefire aims to pave the way for meaningful negotiations, hoping to leverage Nigeria’s influence within the OIC to rally support for a peace process.
During his speech at the summit, President Tinubu is expected to highlight Nigeria’s unique perspective as a nation battling its own insurgencies. His message is likely to draw parallels between Nigeria’s fight against extremist violence in the northeast and the broader challenges of achieving stability in the Middle East.
Onanuga emphasized that Tinubu’s message will be rooted in a call for mutual respect, coexistence, and the need for a diplomatic approach to resolve conflicts. “The President believes that for peace to be sustainable, it must be inclusive and grounded in justice for all parties involved,” Onanuga added.
The Riyadh summit is being held in the same city that hosted a similar gathering last year. This year’s event is seen as a critical moment for the Arab-Islamic world to demonstrate a united front in addressing both regional conflicts and broader issues of security and cooperation.
After the conclusion of the summit, President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja, where he will continue to oversee Nigeria’s domestic security challenges. The Riyadh summit serves as a platform not only for discussing Middle Eastern peace but also for showcasing Nigeria’s role as a significant player in international diplomacy within the Islamic world.
Observers note that Tinubu’s focus on the two-state solution aligns with a global push for renewed negotiations between Israeli and Palestinian leaders. It remains to be seen whether his call for a ceasefire will gain traction among other influential leaders in attendance.
As the summit unfolds, all eyes will be on how these diplomatic efforts translate into concrete actions that can bring about peace in one of the most volatile regions of the world.
