Nigeria Endorses AU Reforms, Welcomes Return of Gabon and Guinea

Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the African Union’s proposed institutional reforms, with a strong emphasis on peace and security, democratic governance, and deeper collaboration with global financial institutions and the private sector.

President Bola Tinubu communicated the country’s position through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The Vice President spoke following the presentation of the AU’s thematic report covering peace and security, regional integration, sustainable development, and Africa’s global influence.

On maritime security and transnational organised crime, Shettima applauded the Peace and Security Council’s approval of the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a standby force for rapid and coordinated maritime response. He pledged Nigeria’s full commitment to its obligations under the agreement and to strengthening the African Union 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,” Shettima said. He also noted that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons continues to fuel armed conflict and violent extremism in the region.

On governance, Nigeria supported the review of criteria for membership of the Peace and Security Council and improved coordination between the Council and the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council reform, especially at the ambassadorial level.

Regarding democracy, the country endorsed reforms aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and commended the AU’s stance against unconstitutional changes of government.

Nigeria also welcomed the lifting of suspensions on Gabon and Guinea following the conclusion of their political transitions. “Nigeria welcomes Gabon and Guinea back to our union after the completion of their political transitions,” Shettima said, encouraging other nations undergoing prolonged transitions to follow suit.

On industrial development, Shettima stressed that Africa’s mineral resources must drive local processing and manufacturing. He called for continental strategies to ensure mineral extraction supports technological growth and transparency, including regular briefings by African mining ministers.

Shettima also backed the G20’s Ubuntu approach to food security, advocating for responsible private sector involvement across agricultural value chains. He urged increased investment in storage, logistics, research, climate-resilient farming, and support for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth.

Several other heads of delegation from AU member states contributed to deliberations on the reform agenda.