MURIC Criticises Nigeria’s UNGA Silence On Palestine

[Akinola Kholid]

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticised Nigeria's position on Palestine during the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), saying the country failed to mention the Palestinian question in its national position. The organisation also expressed concern over Nigeria's decision not to join dozens of delegations that walked out when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the General Assembly on September 24, 2026.

MURIC Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, made the criticism in a statement issued on Saturday, September 26. According to the organisation, Nigeria's position at the international gathering was regrettable, particularly given the continuing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the international attention surrounding the Palestinian issue.

The group said Nigeria's national statement did not include Palestine, while its delegation remained during Netanyahu's speech. Reports from the UNGA confirmed that dozens of delegations left the chamber as the Israeli prime minister began his address, making the walkout one of the prominent moments of the session.

MURIC also highlighted the humanitarian situation in Gaza, referring to the large number of Palestinians reported killed and wounded since the conflict began. The organisation said the destruction of homes and damage to essential services have created severe challenges for civilians, including women and children.

The group further called attention to shortages and difficulties affecting Gaza's population, including access to food, water, electricity, healthcare and education. The United Nations has separately continued to raise concerns about humanitarian conditions and the situation of Palestinian refugees, including the funding difficulties facing UNRWA.

MURIC urged Nigerians concerned about human rights and international justice to demand greater accountability from the Federal Government over its approach to the Palestinian question. It also called on Nigerian human rights organisations to publicly discuss the country's position and its implications for Nigeria's foreign policy.

The controversy comes as other Nigerian groups have also questioned the absence of Palestine from Nigeria's UNGA statement. The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, similarly criticised the omission and called for a more public Nigerian position on Palestine.

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