Vice President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Assembly scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the summit will advance Africa’s shared development priorities under the Agenda 2063 framework.
On arrival at Bole International Airport, the Vice President was received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola; State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; the Head of the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa; and other senior government officials.
The Ministry further disclosed that Nigeria recorded significant diplomatic and institutional achievements at the recently concluded 48th Session of the AU Executive Council. The Nigerian delegation, led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and attended by the Minister of Finance, strengthened the country’s leadership in promoting Africa’s economic integration, peace, security, and democratic governance.
A key highlight of the session was the Council’s approval of Nigeria’s permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank. The decision also grants Nigeria representation on the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, a precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank. The development affirms Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture and advancing monetary integration across the continent.
In the area of peace and security, candidates jointly presented by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria, were successfully elected to the AU Peace and Security Council, reflecting regional unity and commitment to continental stability.
Nigeria also demonstrated leadership in strengthening democratic governance by organizing a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy during the Executive Council session. The event attracted ministers and senior officials from across Africa and the international community, fostering dialogue on inclusive governance and collaborative regional approaches to sustaining democratic values.
The statement, signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the African Union and its resolve to work closely with Member States and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development.