Vice-President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union.
The summit, scheduled for February 14 to 15, will centre on the theme of improving water sustainability and sanitation systems across the continent as part of the bloc’s long-term development framework, African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Shettima was received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr Belete Mola, alongside the country’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye.
Also on hand to welcome the Vice-President was Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, senior embassy officials, and other government representatives. Tuggar later briefed Shettima on his schedule and planned engagements for the summit.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s recent diplomatic gains recorded during the 48th Session of the AU Executive Council, describing them as steps that further strengthen the country’s leadership role on the continent.
He noted that Nigeria secured a permanent seat on the Board of the proposed African Central Bank, a move he said reflects the country’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s financial and monetary policies. The development also ensures Nigeria’s representation on the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which is expected to lay the groundwork for the continental bank.
On regional security matters, Tuggar explained that candidates jointly endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States were successfully elected into the Peace and Security Council, a result he described as evidence of unity among West African nations.
He added that Nigeria also hosted a high-level ministerial dialogue focused on strengthening democratic governance and regional cooperation. The forum brought together officials and delegates from across Africa and beyond to discuss strategies for building stronger democratic institutions and inclusive leadership.
According to the minister, Nigeria remains committed to advancing the African Union’s goals of economic integration, peace, and sustainable development.
During the summit, Shettima is expected to attend several side events and hold bilateral meetings with political and business leaders aimed at deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic and economic partnerships across the continent.
