The Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, security, democratic governance and sustainable development across Africa through enhanced collaboration with the African Union (AU).
The Honourable Minister made this known during a meeting with the Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS) of the African Union Commission, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye, on the margins of the African Union Executive Council Meeting.
During the meeting, Ambassador Adeoye commended Nigeria’s outstanding contributions to the African Union Peace and Security Council over the past twenty-two years, describing the country as a leading force in advancing Africa’s peace and security agenda. He encouraged Nigeria to sustain its leadership role within the African Union and continue supporting continental initiatives aimed at conflict prevention, democratic governance and institutional development.
The Commissioner highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen Africa’s peace architecture through the African Union Peace Fund, the Peace, Security and Development Nexus, and the establishment of the African Institute for Democratic Governance, which seeks to build the capacity of young African diplomats through collaboration among diplomatic academies across the continent.
Discussions also focused on the evolving security situation in the Sahel, Guinea, Burkina Faso and Sudan, as well as preparations for the forthcoming Extraordinary Session of the African Union Assembly in Angola. Ambassador Adeoye underscored the importance of Nigeria’s active participation at the Summit and encouraged the country to strengthen its leadership in mediation, conflict prevention and regional diplomacy.
In her remarks, Ambassador Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Ambassador Adeoye for his dedicated service to the African Union and his steadfast support for Nigeria, particularly his role in facilitating the European Union’s $21 million support to the Multinational Joint Task Force. She reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working closely with the African Union in advancing peace, security and democratic governance across the continent.
The Honourable Minister reiterated that Africa must increasingly pursue sustainable development through self-reliance, stronger institutions and strategic partnerships, noting that the era of dependence on external aid is gradually giving way to greater continental ownership of development initiatives.
Both sides also exchanged views on the application of emerging technologies, particularly Artificial Intelligence, in conflict prevention and peace support operations, the need to strengthen diplomatic capacity across Africa, and strategies for positioning more qualified Africans, especially young Nigerians, for leadership roles in international organisations.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the African Union in promoting peace, security, democratic governance, mediation, institutional capacity building and sustainable development in line with the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
Signed:
Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Abuja
Tuesday, 28 July 2026
