Nigeria’s participation in the upcoming Joint Arab-Islamic Summit is focused on advancing a peaceful solution to the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris explained that Nigeria’s close ties with the Middle East and its longstanding relations with the region made it imperative for the country to participate in the summit.

Scheduled to begin on Monday, 11 November 2024, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the summit will provide a platform for President Tinubu to highlight Nigeria’s commitment to seeking an immediate ceasefire and promoting peace in the Middle East.

Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s stance, stating, “We must come to find a diplomatic solution. This is exactly what we are seeking here.”

The minister emphasized that Nigeria remains steadfast in advocating for a “two-state solution” where Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully within secure borders.

“We must go back to the root of the matter,” he said, underscoring that the conflict could destabilize the region and have far-reaching global consequences without a resolution.

Idris also remarked on the humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict, with the death toll rising significantly since October 2023.

“Unless there is peace in the Middle East, there’s no way Nigeria will not also have issues,” he added, highlighting the interconnectedness of regional stability with Nigeria’s own security.

The summit’s discussions come as the conflict shows no signs of abating, with over 41,000 deaths reported in Gaza, including women and children. Experts continue to call for a diplomatic approach to end the violence.