Kashim Shettima Arrives In Ethiopia To Represent Tinubu At 39th African Union Assembly
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has touched down in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, set for February 14–15. According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, issued by spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa, Shettima was received at Bole International Airport by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, and State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye. Also on hand to welcome him were Foreign Affairs Minister Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Head of the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa, and other senior officials. Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s recent diplomatic and institutional achievements, noting that the country has solidified its leadership role in promoting Africa’s economic integration. Speaking on the outcomes of the recently concluded 48th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, he revealed that Nigeria had been granted a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank—a landmark development that underscores the nation’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial systems. The decision also gives Nigeria representation on the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, the precursor to the African Central Bank, reflecting the country’s technical capacity, economic significance, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda. On peace and security, the session saw the successful election of candidates endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria, to the African Union Peace and Security Council, demonstrating regional cohesion and a shared commitment to stability across the continent. In the area of democratic governance, Nigeria hosted a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy, bringing together ministers, senior officials, and delegates from across Africa and the international community. The panel fostered discussions on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and enhancing regional collaboration. Tuggar reiterated that Nigeria’s engagements reflect its commitment to the core principles of the African Union, including economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democracy. “The Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to working collaboratively with Member States and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.