The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has called on the Federal Government to join South Africa in its historic lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
In a statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, MPAC described this as a moral and legal duty for Nigeria, urging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration to act decisively at a time when global conscience is being tested.
According to the organisation, the world has been horrified by “atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people,” including indiscriminate bombings of civilian populations, targeted attacks on hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and aid workers, as well as “the systematic starvation of children and women.”
South Africa, invoking the Genocide Convention, has already filed a case at the ICJ, accusing Israel of acts amounting to genocide and crimes against humanity.
MPAC said Nigeria, as a signatory to the Convention and a country with a strong legacy of supporting oppressed peoples and opposing apartheid, must not remain silent.
“History will not be kind to nations that chose complicity through silence. Nigeria must not be counted among them,” the statement signed by MPAC’s Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, read.
The group outlined three urgent steps for Nigeria: to join South Africa’s lawsuit as a co-applicant at the ICJ, take a strong diplomatic position at the United Nations and other global platforms, and show leadership in Africa by defending justice, peace, and the rights of vulnerable populations.
MPAC recalled that during the 79th UN General Assembly in September 2024, Vice President Kashim Shettima had already expressed Nigeria’s deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, condemning Israel’s blockade and starvation of Palestinians. The organization stressed that it was time for Nigeria to move beyond words and take concrete action.
“The Palestinian people deserve justice, freedom, dignity, and peace. Nigeria must stand with them – boldly and without hesitation,” MPAC declared.
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