Tinubu returns to Abuja after Arab-Islamic summit in Saudi Arabia

President Bola Tinubu has returned to Abuja after attending the Joint Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The President arrived at the presidential wing of the Nnamdi Azikwe International Aiport, Abuja, around 8 pm on Tuesday and was received by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, ministers, and security heads, among others.

The summit, which was hosted by King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, focused on current issues in the Middle East.

During his attendance at the summit, Tinubu addressed the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, highlighting Nigeria’s call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution.

The president also advocated for reviving the two-state solution to achieve lasting peace in the region and expressed deep concern over the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.

Explaining Nigeria’s principled and consistent stance on the two-state solution, Tinubu noted that it stands as a beacon of hope, representing the rights of both Israelis and Palestinians to self-determination and peace.

Tinubu also warned that “empty condemnations” are not enough to end the conflict in Palestine, which, he said, “has persisted for far too long.”

The President called on parties in the conflict in the Middle East to respect the principles of proportionality and the basic rights of civilians, consistent with global legal and diplomatic frameworks.

Tinubu described the conflict’s impact on history as “so visceral that the ripples of division spread far and quickly.

The Nigerian leader commended King Salman of Saudi Arabia and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for convening the summit, describing it as a vital opportunity to renew diplomatic efforts and work toward sustainable peace.

He assured the OIC that Nigeria, given its own experiences, would continue to support international efforts that advance peace and stability in the Middle East.

The President was accompanied by key officials, including Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser; Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation; and theDirector General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.