By Adesakin Adefemi
Vice-President Kashim Shettima touched down at Bole International Airport on Friday, February 13, 2026, to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly, scheduled to take place from February 14 to 15.
Upon arrival, he was warmly received by Ethiopia’s Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, and the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye, alongside Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, and senior officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Addis Ababa.
Shettima’s arrival signals the start of a high-level diplomatic engagement, as he prepares to join other African heads of state and government for plenary sessions, committee meetings, and strategic side events. In addition to his summit duties, the Vice-President will hold bilateral talks with political leaders and business executives, aiming to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic, economic, and trade relationships across the continent.
Foreign Minister Tuggar highlighted that Nigeria has already recorded significant diplomatic and institutional achievements at the summit, including securing a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank and representation on the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute.
These milestones reinforce Nigeria’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s financial architecture and monetary integration agenda.
Nigeria’s influence was further demonstrated as its candidates, presented through ECOWAS, were successfully elected to the AU Peace and Security Council.
This outcome reflects strong regional cohesion and a shared commitment to stability and peacebuilding across West Africa and the continent at large.
Tuggar also pointed to Nigeria’s leadership in democratic governance, noting that the country organized a Ministerial High-Level Panel on Regional Partnerships for Democracy.
The panel attracted ministers, senior officials, and delegates from across Africa and beyond, fostering constructive dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting inclusive governance, and enhancing regional collaboration.
The summit’s theme, “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063,” will guide discussions on water security, climate-resilient infrastructure, and sanitation. Shettima’s participation aligns with Nigeria’s domestic water challenges and its broader African agenda, as the country seeks to contribute to sustainable solutions for water and sanitation across the continent.
Beyond policy discussions, Shettima is expected to engage with investors and private-sector leaders to attract capital for Nigeria’s infrastructure and technology sectors. Such engagements are seen as crucial for translating diplomatic success into tangible economic benefits, creating jobs, and fostering innovation in key sectors of the Nigerian economy.
Nigeria’s active presence at the AU summit underscores its ambition to be a cornerstone of African economic integration, peace, and democratic development. As the sessions unfold, outcomes on water management, financial institutions, and security cooperation will shape the continent’s trajectory for years to come, with Nigeria playing a central role in driving progress.
The Federal Government of Nigeria remains dedicated to working collaboratively with Member States and regional bodies to advance Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development, with Shettima’s participation at the summit reflecting this commitment to continental 0 unity and progress.
