OIC Secretariat to shift to Plan B for summit

The secretariat budgeted D500 million whereas D300 million was approved by the government and their initial plan was to construct a five-star hotel, which could not be built since work was ongoing and expected to be completed after the conference.

Nfanly Fadera, the OIC Head of Brand and Communications Officer, on 23 January 2024, presented its project plan to the National Assembly Select Committee of Monitoring the Implementation of Government Projects. During the presentation, Mr Fadera highlighted that the project has completed its final mandate, which involves event planning and management of the summit. He also mentioned that they are working closely with local organising communities made up of experts and volunteers from across the country to provide different types of expertise, ranging from security to media and communication.

Mr Fadera provided an update on the status of some priority projects, including the construction of an international conference centre, road construction projects to build an airport lounge and a presidential one, a five-star hotel, accommodation, VIP cars security, water and electricity.

He also reported that these projects are already underway, with the five-star hotel being developed at a slower pace than expected. However, it will also include VIP security, which is part of the next task in the event planning.

Mr Fadera emphasised that the secretariat is determined to provide a 5-star lodging experience for its guests and delegates. They are also partnering with the Hotel Association to leverage the country's existing 4000-plus-bed capacity, which includes some upper-scale accommodation facilities.

Additionally, they are exploring other complementary possibilities in the ongoing resource mobilization drive, such as floating hotels (Cruise-ship).

The OIC Summit is an intergovernmental organization for Muslims worldwide. It safeguards their interests and is second only to the UN. At least 4,000 delegates are expected to attend the summit in The Gambia, where decisions will be made by heads of state, rulers, and kings.