President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived Ethiopia on Thursday night to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government. His visit underscores Nigeria’s dedication to regional cooperation, with a strong focus on peace, security, and economic development across the continent.
Upon arrival in Addis Ababa, Tinubu was received by Ethiopia’s Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, alongside Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the charge d’affaires of the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu.
A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Ambassador Tuggar later briefed Tinubu on key aspects of the summit.
The meeting, which continued into the early hours of Friday, covered major diplomatic achievements for Nigeria, including the country’s re-election to the African Union Peace and Security Council. Additionally, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye was successfully reappointed as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
Speaking on these accomplishments, Ambassador Tuggar noted that these developments reinforce Nigeria’s leadership role in African affairs, particularly in its efforts to promote peace and stability across the continent.
The President’s visit is supported by a high-level delegation, including several key government officials. Among them are Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite.
Additionally, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, are also part of the Nigerian delegation.
This year’s AU Summit is centered on the theme “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” Discussions will focus on reparatory justice and racial healing, highlighting the importance of addressing historical injustices that have impacted African nations and people of African descent worldwide.
As part of his engagement at the summit, President Tinubu is set to deliver a speech at the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting. His address is expected to touch on pressing security challenges, including the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Beyond security matters, the summit will also feature discussions on health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and initiatives related to climate change. These conversations aim to strengthen economic and social policies that will benefit African nations.
Tinubu is expected to remain in Ethiopia throughout the summit and is scheduled to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.
