VP Shettima Leads Nigeria’s Delegation to 39th AU Assembly

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.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the summit will focus on advancing Africa’s shared development priorities under the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
The Vice President was received on arrival at Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola; State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye; Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar; the Head of the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa; and other senior government officials.
Nigeria Records Diplomatic Milestones
The Ministry also highlighted key achievements recorded during the recently concluded 48th Session of the AU Executive Council, where Nigeria’s delegation was led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and attended by the Minister of Finance.
A major outcome of the session was the Council’s decision to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank. The development underscores Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture.
In addition, Nigeria secured representation on the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, a precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank. These milestones, according to the Ministry, reflect Nigeria’s technical capacity, economic strength, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda.
Gains in Peace, Security, and Democratic Governance
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. The outcome highlights strong regional cohesion and a shared commitment to stability and collective security across the continent.
Nigeria also demonstrated leadership in democratic governance by organizing a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy. The event attracted broad participation from ministers, senior officials, and delegates across Africa and the international community.
The panel provided a platform for dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and fostering regional collaboration to sustain democratic values.
Commitment to Africa’s Shared Prosperity
The Ministry stated that Nigeria’s engagements and outcomes at the 48th Executive Council session reaffirm the country’s dedication to the ideals and objectives of the African Union, particularly in advancing economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democratic governance.
The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to working closely with AU Member States and regional bodies to promote Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development under the Agenda 2063 vision.