Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Human Rights, Peace, and Global Cooperation

Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to protecting human rights, promoting peaceful coexistence, and strengthening international partnerships during a meeting with a delegation from the First Step Forum in Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Umar Ahmed, on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, received Marc Jost, Executive Director of the First Step Forum (FSF), along with members of his delegation, on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary conveyed the Minister’s apologies for his absence due to prior official engagements and welcomed the delegation, expressing appreciation for their visit.

Speaking during the meeting, Marc Jost thanked the Ministry for the audience and explained that the First Step Forum is a global network of parliamentarians, former leaders, diplomats, and civil society actors working to promote religious freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence. He noted that the delegation’s visit, at the invitation of the Christian Legislators Fellowship, created an opportunity to engage with stakeholders across government, civil society, and religious communities to encourage dialogue and cooperation.

Members of the delegation stressed the importance of closer cooperation between Nigeria and Europe, particularly in the areas of security, human rights, and economic development. They also expressed interest in understanding Nigeria’s governance system, foreign policy direction, and efforts to improve the investment climate, while affirming their commitment to partnerships built on mutual respect.

In response, the Permanent Secretary described Nigeria as a diverse and multi-religious country guided by constitutional principles and the rule of law. He acknowledged existing security and development challenges but emphasized the government’s ongoing efforts to address them while protecting lives, property, and fundamental rights.

He also highlighted Nigeria’s foreign policy approach built on the 4-Ds—Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora which continues to shape its international relations. In addition, he noted Nigeria’s leadership role within Economic Community of West African States and the African Union in advancing regional peace, security, and democratic governance.

On economic cooperation, he reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to attracting foreign investment, expanding trade, and taking advantage of opportunities under the African Continental Free Trade Area. He encouraged stronger collaboration with international partners, including the First Step Forum, particularly in legislative engagement, capacity-building, and institutional development.

The Permanent Secretary also proposed the development of a structured framework for cooperation between the First Step Forum and Nigeria’s National Assembly, including a possible Memorandum of Understanding to support joint programmes and exchanges.

He assured the delegation of Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for both citizens and foreign nationals, expressing confidence that the engagement would strengthen ongoing partnerships.

In his remarks, Marc Jost appreciated the discussions and reaffirmed the Forum’s willingness to deepen cooperation with Nigeria. He also indicated plans for future visits to expand engagement across different parts of the country.

Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja