President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Thursday night to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government. This marks a crucial step in Nigeria’s continued engagement with continental affairs, particularly on peace, security, and economic cooperation.
The President was received at the airport by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol Eshetu Legesse, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the charge d’affaires of the Nigerian embassy in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu. A statement by Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed that Tuggar later briefed the President on the summit’s agenda and key diplomatic milestones achieved by Nigeria.
Among the diplomatic wins was the re-election of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Nigeria also retains its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council, reaffirming the country’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent.
The briefing, which extended until about 2 a.m. on Friday, was attended by key government officials, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole. Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, the Chief of Naval Staff, also attended.
This year’s AU summit, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” focuses on reparatory justice and racial healing. The summit provides a platform for African leaders to discuss critical issues affecting the continent, including peace, security, and economic development.
President Tinubu will deliver a speech at the Summit-level meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council, where discussions will focus on current security challenges on the continent, including the escalation of conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
