By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has arrived in Addis Ababa to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.
Shettima was received at the Bole International Airport by Ethiopian officials alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, senior embassy staff, and government representatives.
The summit is expected to focus on advancing Africa’s development priorities under the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
The visit comes on the heels of Nigeria’s participation in the 48th Session of the AU Executive Council, where the Nigerian delegation, led by the Foreign Affairs Minister and attended by the Minister of Finance, recorded key diplomatic milestones.
One of the major outcomes was the Executive Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the proposed African Central Bank. The decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute a body central to Africa’s long-term monetary integration plans.
In the area of peace and security, candidates presented by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria’s nominees, were elected into the AU Peace and Security Council, reflecting regional cooperation and collective security efforts.
Nigeria also convened a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy, bringing together ministers and delegates from across Africa and beyond to discuss strengthening democratic institutions and inclusive governance.
These developments, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reinforce Nigeria’s active role in shaping continental policies on economic integration, peace, security, and democratic governance.
The Federal Government says it remains committed to working with other African states to advance shared prosperity and sustainable development across the continent.
