Embassy of Japan in Nigeria Strengthens Partnership with ICRC Nigeria New Head of Delegation
2025/11/27
On 28 August 2025, Ambassador SUZUKI Hideo received Ms. Doris El Doueihy, New Head of Delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Nigeria, at the Embassy of Japan in Nigeria for a constructive exchange on humanitarian challenges in the country.
Ms. El Doueihy briefed the Ambassador on ICRC’s current operations, which since 2023 have concentrated primarily on conflict-affected areas in the North-East (Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states), with plans to extend activities to the North-West in 2026. She highlighted key programmes including primary health care, protection of civilians, economic security, psycho-social and medical support for victims of sexual violence, rehabilitation of child soldiers, and the operation of a community-run orthopaedic centre.
The ICRC delegation emphasised its close cooperation with the Nigerian military on international humanitarian law, immediate emergency response capacity, and extensive partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross, which mobilises over 800,000 volunteers. Ms. El Doueihy expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s consistent and trusted support, noting that Japan fully understands and respects ICRC’s principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
The Ambassador acknowledged the critical role of ICRC in Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to alleviating human suffering and strengthening coordination for more effective assistance to conflict-affected communities
Ms. El Doueihy briefed the Ambassador on ICRC’s current operations, which since 2023 have concentrated primarily on conflict-affected areas in the North-East (Adamawa, Yobe, and Borno states), with plans to extend activities to the North-West in 2026. She highlighted key programmes including primary health care, protection of civilians, economic security, psycho-social and medical support for victims of sexual violence, rehabilitation of child soldiers, and the operation of a community-run orthopaedic centre.
The ICRC delegation emphasised its close cooperation with the Nigerian military on international humanitarian law, immediate emergency response capacity, and extensive partnership with the Nigerian Red Cross, which mobilises over 800,000 volunteers. Ms. El Doueihy expressed deep appreciation for Japan’s consistent and trusted support, noting that Japan fully understands and respects ICRC’s principles of neutrality, impartiality, and independence.
The Ambassador acknowledged the critical role of ICRC in Nigeria’s most vulnerable regions. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to alleviating human suffering and strengthening coordination for more effective assistance to conflict-affected communities