Nigeria backs AU reforms on peace, security as Tinubu pedges full commitment
Abdullateef Fowewe
Nigeria has thrown its weight behind sweeping institutional reforms in the African Union (AU), emphasising peace and security, democratic strengthening, and boosted resource mobilisation, as announced in a statement Sunday by Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications in the Office of the Vice President.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government, assured the regional body of Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to implementing these changes.
Shettima’s remarks followed a report on key thematic areas like peace and security, integration, sustainable development, and Africa’s global voice.
On maritime security, Shettima hailed the endorsement of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a rapid-response standby force.
“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,” he stated.
“We remain committed to the full implementation of our own part of the agreement.”
Nigeria also endorsed restructurings for domestic financing, inequality reduction via data-driven social protection and jobs, and closer ties with international financial institutions and the private sector.
Shettima supported innovative tweaks to Peace and Security Council membership criteria, per Article 5 of its protocol, and better coordination with regional bodies and the UN reform-focused C-10 committee.
The Vice President stressed curbing small arms proliferation—“the greatest causes of armed conflict and violent extremism in our region”—while backing AU efforts against unconstitutional government changes and good governance reforms.
In a nod to unity, Shettima announced Nigeria’s endorsement of lifting suspensions on Gabon and Guinea.
“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,” he noted.
On economic fronts, Nigeria pushed for Africa’s critical minerals to fuel local industrialisation.
“Africa’s mineral resources are strategic assets that should drive industrialization and structural transformation,” Shettima said, urging regular ministerial briefings for transparency.
He also welcomed G20 Ubuntu approaches on food security, calling for investments in storage, logistics, climate-resilient farming, and support for women and youth smallholders.
