Nigeria reaffirms commitment to AU peace, devt agenda

Nigeria has reiterated its dedication to fostering peace, security, democratic governance, and sustainable development across Africa by strengthening its collaboration with the African Union (AU).

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Africa must increasingly pursue sustainable development through self-reliance, stronger institutions and strategic partnerships, noting that dependence on external aid was gradually giving way to greater continental ownership of development initiatives.

During a meeting on the sidelines of the AU Executive Council Meeting, Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, assured AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), Amb. Bankole Adeoye, of Nigeria's readiness to work closely with the AU. She commended Adeoye for his service and support, particularly his role in securing European Union funding for the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed the importance of Africa pursuing sustainable development through self-reliance, robust institutions, and strategic partnerships, noting a shift away from dependence on external aid towards greater continental ownership of development initiatives. Adeoye, in turn, praised Nigeria's 22-year contribution to the AU Peace and Security Council, calling the nation a driving force for the continent's peace and security agenda.

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Nigeria’s contributions to the AU Peace and Security Council over the past 22 years, describing the country as a driving force in Africa’s peace and security agenda.

Adeoye urged Nigeria to maintain its leadership within the AU, supporting initiatives for conflict prevention, democratic governance, and institutional development. He highlighted ongoing efforts to bolster Africa's peace architecture, including the AU Peace Fund and the African Institute for Democratic Governance, which aims to build the capacity of young African diplomats. Discussions also touched upon the evolving security situations in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Sudan, as well as the application of artificial intelligence in conflict prevention and peace operations.

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sustain its leadership role within the AU and continue supporting continental initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, democratic governance and institutional development across Africa.