In the Name of Allah, the Most Compassionate, the Most Merciful

(Lagos, 12.11.2024) The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) welcomes President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address at the Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he strongly condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza and underscored the urgent need for a two-state solution to bring peace to the region. MPAC stands in support of the President’s message and the values of justice and human dignity it represents, yet emphasizes that this commitment must extend beyond words to tangible, transformative actions.

At the summit, President Tinubu highlighted the immeasurable suffering endured by Palestinians, reaffirming Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire and a vision of a Middle East where Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side in peace. “The conflict in Palestine has persisted for far too long, inflicting immeasurable suffering on countless lives,” he stated, reminding the world of its responsibility to address this enduring injustice.

MPAC applauds President Tinubu’s commitment to justice, yet we call upon Nigeria to match this commitment with specific policy actions. As an oil-producing nation, Nigeria’s continued supply of oil to Israel is inconsistent with its stated position on Palestinian independence and the end of aggression. Now is the time to translate our words into action. MPAC urges Nigeria to immediately halt oil exports to Israel and realign its economic activities to reflect the principles articulated at the Riyadh summit.

Furthermore, MPAC recalls the recent statements made by Nigeria’s Vice-President at the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he reinforced Nigeria’s longstanding support for Palestinian sovereignty. These statements are a testament to Nigeria’s consistent stance, and they provide a solid foundation upon which our government can act decisively to advance Palestinian independence.

MPAC’s Position

For over 75 years, the Palestinian people have endured a relentless struggle, seeking the same rights to self-determination, freedom, and security that every nation deserves. As representatives of the Muslim community in Nigeria, MPAC asserts that it is not enough to offer words of solidarity alone; real solidarity must be demonstrated through concrete policies and actions that impact the lives of those oppressed. As we acknowledge the President’s efforts, we urge the Nigerian Government to take a bold and immediate step in solidarity with the Palestinian people.

– End Oil Exports to Israel: Nigeria’s continued trade of oil with Israel undermines our stance on Palestinian independence. MPAC calls on the Nigerian government to suspend these exports as a meaningful step toward pressuring Israel to respect international calls for peace.

– Strengthen Diplomatic Efforts: MPAC supports the President’s call for a dedicated secretariat to oversee the implementation of summit resolutions. We urge that this body also includes monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability in the face of ongoing violations against Palestinian rights.

– Champion a Unified African Call: MPAC urges Nigeria, with its rich history of leadership in African and international diplomacy, to rally regional support for the Palestinian cause. Working closely with the African Union and other OIC members, Nigeria has the unique opportunity to be a catalyst for substantial progress toward Palestinian self-determination.

President Tinubu’s statements, alongside the efforts made at UNGA by Nigeria’s Vice-President, reflect a unified and principled Nigerian stance. It is time for Nigeria to harness its position as a global oil producer and a regional leader to champion the rights of Palestinians in a tangible way.

MPAC commends the Saudi leadership, particularly King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, for organizing this summit, which provides an invaluable platform to renew international focus on the suffering of Palestinians and the vision of peace. However, it is clear that this vision of peace demands a consistent commitment to action. As President Tinubu rightly emphasized, “This is not just a diplomatic article of faith; it is a vision grounded in the principles of equality and mutual recognition.”

Conclusion

MPAC reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the cause of justice for Palestinians. We call on the Nigerian government, including the legislative branch, to take immediate action, halt oil exports to Israel, and champion a realignment of Nigeria’s policies that genuinely reflect the values of justice, peace, and human dignity. The time for symbolic support has passed; now is the time for action.

Disu Kamor
Executive Chairman
Muslim Public Affairs Centre, MPAC