By Gabriel Ameh
Nigeria has called for stronger fiscal discipline, institutional accountability and strict implementation of audit recommendations across organs of the African Union (AU).
The statement was signed by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, the call was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, while delivering Nigeria’s statement on the Report of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) at the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council.
Tuggar warned that increasing personnel numbers within AU institutions without corresponding improvements in performance could weaken efficiency and institutional effectiveness.
He raised concerns over discrepancies in financial records, breaches of procurement and contracting procedures, and the slow recovery of loans and advance payments. He urged the Council to adopt a clear timeline for the full implementation of all outstanding audit recommendations.
On multilateral cooperation, Nigeria backed the application of the Banjul Formula in upcoming Africa–India and Africa–Türkiye partnership engagements, stressing the need for coordinated continental positions in external relations.
Addressing humanitarian issues, the Minister drew attention to the plight of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and other vulnerable groups, calling for increased focus on the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
On migration, Tuggar cautioned against third-country arrangements that externalise migrant processing, noting that such frameworks could undermine the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and ongoing AU efforts to end statelessness.
He also welcomed progress recorded under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and stressed the urgency of appointing a Head of Division for Digital Trade within the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to institutional reform, principled multilateral engagement and efforts aimed at building a more transparent and accountable African Union.
