Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development across Africa through closer collaboration with the African Union.
Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu gave the assurance during a meeting with AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security, Bankole Adeoye, on the sidelines of the AU Executive Council Meeting.
Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa disclosed this in a statement issued Tuesday in Abuja.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Adeoye for his service to the AU and support for Nigeria, particularly his role in securing the European Union’s 21 million dollar support for the Multinational Joint Task Force.
She said Nigeria remained ready to work closely with the AU to advance peace, security and democratic governance through stronger cooperation and sustained engagement.
The minister stressed that Africa must increasingly pursue self-reliant development, build stronger institutions and forge strategic partnerships, noting that the continent was moving away from dependence on external aid toward greater ownership of its development agenda.
Adeoye, in turn, commended Nigeria’s contributions to the AU Peace and Security Council over the past 22 years, calling the country a driving force in Africa’s peace and security agenda. He urged Nigeria to sustain its leadership role in the AU and continue backing continental efforts on conflict prevention, democratic governance and institutional development.
He pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s peace architecture, including the AU Peace Fund, the Peace, Security and Development Nexus, and the African Institute for Democratic Governance, which he said is building the capacity of young African diplomats through collaboration among training institutions across the continent.
Adeoye also stressed the importance of Nigeria’s active participation at the AU Summit and urged the country to deepen its leadership in mediation, conflict prevention and regional diplomacy.
The two officials discussed the evolving security situation in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, as well as preparations for the AU’s forthcoming Extraordinary Assembly Session in Angola.
They also exchanged views on the use of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in conflict prevention and peace support operations, and on strengthening diplomatic capacity across Africa — including positioning more young Nigerians for leadership roles in international organisations.
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