By Gabriel Ameh
ABUJA — Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Community of Sant’Egidio have begun discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration on peacebuilding, interfaith dialogue, humanitarian assistance and youth development.
The talks took place on Wednesday at the Ministry’s headquarters, Tafawa Balewa House, Abuja, when the Permanent Secretary,
Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, received a delegation from the international Catholic lay community led by Professor Jan De Volder and Professor Stefano Orlando. Officials of the Italian Embassy in Nigeria also attended the meeting.
The engagement followed earlier discussions between the Community of Sant’Egidio and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, with both sides exploring ways to build a stronger partnership in conflict prevention, mediation, education, poverty reduction and support for vulnerable communities.
During the meeting, Professor De Volder highlighted Sant’Egidio’s activities across several Nigerian states, noting the organisation’s grassroots work in promoting peace, expanding access to education, reducing poverty and encouraging dialogue among communities.
He also invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs to participate in the 40th International Meeting for Peace, scheduled to take place in Assisi, Italy, in October 2026.
The delegation further proposed the establishment of a formal cooperation framework between Nigeria and the Community of Sant’Egidio to strengthen long-term collaboration in areas of shared interest.
Responding, Ambassador Ahmed praised the organisation’s global reputation for promoting peace, reconciliation and humanitarian service, reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to working with faith-based and civil society organisations that foster peaceful coexistence, social inclusion and conflict prevention.
He identified youth leadership development, vocational training, interfaith engagement, education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, support for internally displaced and vulnerable persons, as well as community-based peace initiatives, as key areas where both parties could collaborate.
Both sides agreed to sustain consultations aimed at developing an appropriate framework that would guide future joint programmes and deepen cooperation in Nigeria.
