Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to humanitarian diplomacy and stronger collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) following the presentation of the Letter of Commission by the organisation’s Head of Delegation, Dr. Ghulam Muhammed Awan, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu.
During the meeting in Abuja, the Foreign Affairs Minister congratulated Dr. Awan on his appointment and expressed confidence that his leadership would deepen the IFRC’s engagement with Nigeria and the wider West African region. She assured him of the Federal Government’s continued support in facilitating the Federation’s humanitarian operations across the country.
Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu praised the Nigerian Red Cross Society and the global Red Cross Movement for their longstanding contributions to disaster response, conflict relief, disease outbreak interventions, and support for vulnerable communities. She noted that the organisation’s commitment to humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and voluntary service has earned it global respect and public trust over several generations.
The Minister also commended the dedication and courage of Red Cross volunteers who continue to deliver life-saving assistance in difficult and often dangerous conditions without discrimination. She added that the confidence local communities place in humanitarian workers has significantly enhanced the delivery of aid across Nigeria.
In his remarks, Dr. Awan thanked the Minister for the warm reception and reaffirmed the IFRC’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s humanitarian response system. He highlighted the Federation’s focus on strengthening community-based disaster preparedness, emergency response, climate resilience, public health, and humanitarian capacity through its extensive network of volunteers.
Describing Nigeria as a strategic partner in the Federation’s West and Central Africa operations, Dr. Awan expressed optimism that collaboration with the Federal Government would continue to expand. Both parties concluded the meeting by reaffirming their shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations, strengthening disaster preparedness, promoting sustainable community resilience, and advancing humanitarian action across Nigeria and the West African region.
