JUST IN: Shettima Arrives in Ethiopia for 39th AU Summit [PHOTOS]

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, scheduled for February 14–15, 2026.

The summit, themed “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will focus on strengthening continental commitments to sustainable water management, improved sanitation, and broader development goals outlined in the AU’s Agenda 2063 blueprint.

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 present were Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, senior officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa, and other government representatives. Tuggar briefed the Vice-President on his itinerary and planned engagements at the summit.

In a statement on Friday, Tuggar highlighted Nigeria’s diplomatic strides at the recently concluded 48th Session of the Executive Council of the AU.

He noted that the country recorded significant achievements that reinforced its leadership role in advancing Africa’s economic integration.

A key highlight, he said, was the Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank—a landmark development affirming the nation’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture.

Nigeria also secured representation on the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, a precursor to the African Central Bank.

On peace and security, Tuggar said ECOWAS-supported candidates, including Nigeria’s nominees, were successfully elected to the AU Peace and Security Council, demonstrating cohesion among West African states and a shared commitment to continental stability.

In democratic governance, Nigeria organised a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy, attended by ministers, senior officials, and delegates from Africa and the international community.

The session fostered dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, inclusive governance, and regional collaboration.

Tuggar reaffirmed that Nigeria’s engagements reflect its dedication to the African Union’s ideals, particularly in promoting economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democracy.

At the summit, Vice-President Shettima is expected to participate in high-level side events and hold bilateral meetings with political and business leaders to further strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and strategic partnerships across Africa.

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