Nigeria Calls For Stronger Accountability, Institutional Reform At AU Executive Council

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Coat of arms

Nigeria has called for strengthened fiscal discipline, institutional accountability, and timely implementation of audit recommendations across African Union organs.

Delivering a statement on the Report of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) at the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union, the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, emphasised that expanding personnel numbers without measurable improvements in output risks weakening institutional efficiency.

He expressed concern over discrepancies in financial records, violations of procurement and contracting rules, and the low rate of recovery of loans and advance payments, urging the Council to adopt a clear timeline for the full implementation of all outstanding audit recommendations without exception.

On multilateral engagement, Nigeria supported the application of the Banjul Formula in forthcoming Africa–India and Africa–Türkiye partnerships, underscoring the importance of coordinated continental positions.

Addressing humanitarian concerns, the Minister highlighted the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, and vulnerable populations, calling for greater attention to the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.

On migration, Nigeria cautioned against third-country arrangements that externalize migrant processing, noting that such frameworks risk undermining the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the AU’s efforts to end statelessness. He also welcomed progress under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while stressing the urgency of filling the Head of Division for Digital Trade position within the Secretariat.

The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to institutional reform, principled multilateral cooperation, and a stronger, more accountable African Union.

Signed:

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja
Wednesday, 11 February 2026