Shettima Represents Nigeria at AU Assembly in Ethiopia

Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent Nigeria at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union scheduled for February 14–15.

His arrival was disclosed in a statement by Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar, issued through the ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa. Shettima was received at Bole International Airport by senior Ethiopian officials and members of the Nigerian diplomatic mission.

The minister highlighted Nigeria’s recent diplomatic gains at the just-concluded Executive Council session of the African Union, including the decision granting Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank.

He described the development as a landmark move that reflects Nigeria’s strategic importance in shaping Africa’s financial and monetary integration framework.

According to him, the decision also secures Nigeria’s representation on the Board of the African Monetary Institute, which is expected to pave the way for the establishment of the African Central Bank. He noted that the outcome affirms Nigeria’s technical expertise, economic relevance, and commitment to continental integration.

On regional peace and security, Tuggar stated that candidates jointly endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States were successfully elected to the AU Peace and Security Council, describing the outcome as evidence of unity among member states and a shared determination to promote stability across the continent.

He added that Nigeria demonstrated leadership in democratic governance by convening a ministerial high-level panel discussion on regional partnerships for democracy, which attracted ministers, senior officials, and delegates from across Africa and the international community.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the AU’s objectives, particularly in advancing economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democratic governance, stressing that the Federal Government will continue working with African partners to promote shared prosperity and sustainable development.