Nigeria urges stronger accountability, reforms at AU Executive Council

Nigeria has called for stricter fiscal discipline, improved institutional accountability and prompt implementation of audit recommendations across organs of the African Union.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made the call while presenting Nigeria’s position on the report of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee at the 48th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council.
He warned that increasing staff strength without corresponding gains in productivity could weaken institutional efficiency.
Tuggar also raised concerns over discrepancies in financial records, breaches of procurement and contracting procedures, and the poor recovery of loans and advance payments. He urged the council to set a definite timeline for the full implementation of outstanding audit recommendations.
On multilateral cooperation, Nigeria supported the use of the Banjul Formula in upcoming Africa–India and Africa–Türkiye partnerships, stressing the need for unified continental positions.
The minister further drew attention to the plight of internally displaced persons, refugees and other vulnerable groups, calling for greater focus on the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
On migration, he cautioned against third-country arrangements that shift migrant processing outside Africa, warning that such measures could undermine the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and ongoing efforts to end statelessness.
He also welcomed progress under the African Continental Free Trade Area but emphasised the need to urgently fill the Head of Division for Digital Trade position within the AfCFTA Secretariat.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to institutional reform, principled multilateral cooperation and a more accountable African Union.
The statement was signed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa.