President Bola Tinubu has arrived in Ethiopia to participate in the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government, where Nigeria has already secured significant diplomatic victories.
The summit, scheduled to run from February 14 to 18, 2025, will bring together African leaders to deliberate on pressing continental issues, with this year’s theme focusing on Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.
Tinubu touched down in Addis Ababa on Thursday night and was received at the airport by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Nasir Aminu.
A high-level briefing followed Tinubu’s arrival, stretching into the early hours of Friday. During the session, Tuggar updated the President on key diplomatic wins for Nigeria, including the successful re-election of Bankole Adeoye as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
Additionally, Nigeria retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council, reinforcing its influence in shaping security policies across the continent. Tuggar hailed these achievements as a testament to “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent.”
Among those present at the briefing were top government officials, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Information and National Orientation Minister Muhammed Idris, and Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal. Also in attendance were the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
As part of his engagements at the AU Summit, President Tinubu is expected to deliver a speech at the African Union Peace and Security Council’s high-level meeting. His address will focus on Africa’s pressing security challenges, including the escalating conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
In addition, Tinubu will participate in discussions on health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change policies aimed at strengthening the continent’s economic and environmental resilience.
The President is expected to conclude his engagements and return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.
