President Tinubu Strengthens Diplomatic Ties at AU Summit

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Ethiopia to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government.

This visit highlights Nigeria’s ongoing dedication to regional cooperation, peace, security, and economic development.

Nigeria’s Delegation and Key Discussions

Upon his arrival on Thursday night, President Tinubu was welcomed by Ethiopia’s Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu.

According to Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Ambassador Tuggar briefed President Tinubu on the summit’s agenda and Nigeria’s recent diplomatic achievements. The briefing, which lasted into the early hours of Friday, covered Nigeria’s re-election to the African Union Peace and Security Council and the reappointment of Ambassador Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.

Ambassador Tuggar emphasized that these accomplishments reinforce Nigeria’s leadership in African affairs and its commitment to fostering stability across the continent.

Accompanying President Tinubu is a delegation of top government officials, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris, Minister of Environment Balarabe Abbas Lawal, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite. Additionally, the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, are also part of the delegation.

AU Summit’s Focus on Reparatory Justice

The 38th AU Summit, themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” addresses issues of reparatory justice and racial healing. President Tinubu is scheduled to speak at the African Union Peace and Security Council meeting, where he will discuss Africa’s security situation, including the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Other key topics at the summit include health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change initiatives.

The AU has officially launched its 2025 theme, which aims to advance discussions on reparatory justice and racial healing. This theme was decided during the 37th Ordinary Session held in Addis Ababa in February 2023.

President Tinubu is expected to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.