The Nigerian government has announced its endorsement of the proposed institutional reforms within the African Union, with a specific focus on improving peace and security governance.
Vice President Kashim Shettima conveyed Nigeria's official stance during a closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, which convened in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Additionally, Mr. Shettima affirmed Nigeria's commitment to bolstering democratic institutions and fostering stronger collaborations with international financial entities and the private sector.
He also indicated the country's alignment with proposed restructuring efforts aimed at enhancing domestic and regional resource mobilization for accessible development financing.
Furthermore, Mr. Shettima highlighted the adoption of a continental framework designed to reduce inequality through reliable data, social protection, productive employment, and inclusive industrial policies.
The Vice President commended the Peace and Security Council for approving the establishment of a Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea, intended to serve as a standby force for coordinated maritime security responses across the region.
He pledged Nigeria's dedication to the implementation of its agreed-upon role in the task force and to reinforcing the African Union Standby Force.
"The widespread availability of small arms and light weapons remains the principal driver of armed conflict and violent extremism in our region. This underscores the necessity for our union to intensify its efforts in curbing these trends."
"As the designated host for this taskforce's headquarters, Nigeria will provide the essential infrastructure, including office spaces, vessels, aircraft, and temporary personnel, to ensure the force's sustained effectiveness.
"We reaffirm our commitment to fully discharge our responsibilities as stipulated in the agreement," he stated.
The Vice President also noted that Nigeria supports the proposition for criteria regarding membership on the Peace and Security Council.
Mr. Shettima further elaborated, "As outlined in Article 5 of the protocol establishing the Peace and Security Council, we also advocate for the incorporation of mechanisms for collaboration between the African Union, its regional economic commissions, and regional bodies.
"It is our belief that this is crucial for ensuring predictability and efficiency in our peace and security management.
"We concur on the importance of enhancing coordination between the Peace and Security Council and the C-10 committee (Committee of 10 Heads of State and Government on the Reform of the United Nations Security Council), particularly at the ambassadorial level."
He also announced President Bola Tinubu's and Nigeria's approval of the AU's decision to lift the suspension on the participation of Gabon and Guinea in the union's activities.
"Nigeria extends a warm welcome back to Gabon and Guinea in our union following the successful completion of their political transitions," Mr. Shettima stated.
"We encourage other nations experiencing protracted political transitions to adopt a similar approach to reintegrate into the fold."
Mr. Shettima reiterated Nigeria's stance that "Africa's mineral wealth constitutes strategic assets that must serve as catalysts for industrialization and structural transformation."
He emphasized the necessity for unified continental strategies to ensure that mineral resource extraction contributes to local processing, manufacturing, and technological advancement.
He further stressed the importance of regular briefings from African mining ministers to promote accountability and transparency.
"Nigeria welcomes the G20 Ubuntu initiative concerning food security and supports the responsible engagement of the private sector across agricultural value chains.
"Nigeria advocates for increased investment in storage, logistics, research, climate-resilient agriculture, and support for smallholder farmers, especially women and youth, while reaffirming its dedication to advancing Africa's food systems transformation."
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that delegates from other African Union member states also provided their input on the reform proposals presented in various thematic areas.
(NAN)
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