Nigeria has endorsed the proposed institutional reforms in the African Union (AU), with particular emphasis on peace, security governance, strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing cooperation with international financial institutions and the private sector.
The country also aligned itself with restructuring proposals aimed at boosting domestic and regional resource mobilisation for affordable development financing, as well as adopting a continental framework to reduce inequality, expand social protection, promote productive employment and advance inclusive industrial policies.
Nigeria’s position was presented by President Bola Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented him at the closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The submissions followed the presentation of reports on key thematic agenda items of the African Union, including peace and security; integration and sustainable development; and Africa’s global voice, among other issues.
On tackling transnational organised crime and advancing the continent’s blue economy, President Tinubu commended the Peace and Security Council for endorsing the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a standby force capable of delivering rapid and coordinated maritime security responses across the region.
Commitment
He pledged Nigeria’s commitment to implementing its obligations in the establishment of the force, as well as strengthening the African Union Standby Force.
“The proliferation of small arms and light weapons remain the greatest causes of armed conflict and violent extremism in our region. This is why our union must refocus its attention on curbing these trends.
“As the host of the headquarters of this taskforce, Nigeria will provide the necessary infrastructure including office facilities, ships, helicopters as well as temporary staff to ensure that the force remains effective. We remain committed to the full implementation of our own part of the agreement,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Stand
Addressing the review of the criteria for membership of the Peace and Security Council, the President said his country associates “With the innovative proposal for the inclusion of a clause in relation to criteria for membership of the Peace and Security Council. As envisaged in Article 5 of the protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council, we also support the inclusion of modalities for cooperation between the African Union and its regional economic commissions and regional mechanism.
“It is our view that this is necessary to ensure predictability and effectiveness in our peace and security governance. We also agree on the imperative to strengthen coordination between the Peace and Security Council and the C-10 committee (Committee of 10 Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council), particularly at the ambassadorial level.”
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Democracy
On democracy, President Tinubu announced Nigeria’s support for reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions across Africa. He commended the AU’s efforts to address unconstitutional changes of government and underscored the importance of good governance.
He also announced the country’s endorsement of the AU’s decision to lift the suspension of Gabon and Guinea from participation in the Union’s activities.
“Nigeria welcomes Gabon and Guinea back to our union after the completion of their political transitions. We call on other countries with protracted political transitions to follow the approach to return to the fold,” the Nigerian leader declared.
On critical minerals and the industrial value chain, President Tinubu reiterated the nation’s position stating:
“Africa’s mineral resources are strategic assets that should drive industrialization and structural transformation,”
He emphasised the need for coordinated continental strategies to ensure mineral extraction supports local processing, manufacturing and technology development.
The President further stressed that regular briefings by African mining ministers should be encouraged to promote accountability and transparency. He added that: “Nigeria welcomes the G20 Ubuntu approaches on food security and supports responsible private sector participation across agricultural value chains.”
Various heads of delegation from AU member states also made interventions on the reform proposals presented under the thematic agenda.