Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Humanitarian Diplomacy, Strengthens Partnership with IFRC
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and deeper collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to enhance disaster response, community resilience and the protection of vulnerable populations across Nigeria.
The commitment was made on Wednesday in Abuja when the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, received the Letter of Commission from the IFRC Head of Delegation, Dr. Ghulam Muhammed Awan.
Congratulating Dr. Awan on his appointment, the minister expressed confidence that his tenure would strengthen the Federation’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. She assured him of the Ministry’s continued support in facilitating the humanitarian mandate of the IFRC.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised the contributions of the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement in providing humanitarian assistance to victims of disasters, conflicts, disease outbreaks and other emergencies. She noted that the organisation has earned worldwide respect through its commitment to the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and voluntary service.
Drawing from her personal experiences, the minister recalled the Red Cross’ longstanding presence in Nigerian communities, saying its humanitarian activities have inspired generations of young people to embrace compassion, volunteerism and community service.
She also commended Red Cross volunteers for their courage and dedication in delivering life-saving assistance to communities affected by humanitarian crises, often under difficult conditions and without discrimination.
According to her, the neutrality of the Red Cross remains one of its greatest strengths, allowing it to provide assistance solely on the basis of need, regardless of political, ethnic or religious differences.
The minister further expressed satisfaction that humanitarian workers and volunteers in Nigeria continue to enjoy the trust and cooperation of local communities, enabling them to deliver assistance effectively.
Speaking during the meeting, Dr. Awan thanked the minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the IFRC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s humanitarian response efforts.
He said the Federation continues to strengthen community-based disaster preparedness and emergency response through its extensive network of volunteers operating at national, state and community levels.
Dr. Awan described Nigeria as a strategic country within the Federation’s West and Central Africa operations, highlighting the strong partnership between the IFRC and the Nigerian Red Cross Society.
He expressed optimism that collaboration with the Federal Government would continue to expand in key areas, including disaster risk reduction, climate resilience, public health, emergency preparedness and humanitarian capacity development.
Both parties reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening cooperation in promoting humanitarian action, protecting vulnerable communities, enhancing disaster preparedness and advancing sustainable community resilience across Nigeria and the West African region.
