By Joy Odor Reportcircle News
Nigeria has moved decisively onto the continental diplomatic stage as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, arrived in Addis Ababa to lead the country’s delegation to the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), a meeting widely seen as pivotal to Africa’s political and economic direction in 2026.
The session, scheduled for February 11 and 12 at the African Union Headquarters, brings together foreign ministers from across the continent to shape policy positions ahead of the much-anticipated 39th Ordinary Session of the AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government later in the week.
Ambassador Tuggar touched down in the Ethiopian capital on Monday, February 9, where he was received by Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Berhanu Tsegaye, alongside Nigeria’s Charge d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, and officials of the Nigerian Mission.
The early arrival signals Abuja’s intent to play an assertive role in the negotiations and behind-the-scenes diplomacy that traditionally define AU outcomes.
Over the next several days, the Nigerian delegation will be deeply engaged in ministerial meetings, high-level dialogues, bilateral consultations and strategic side events, reinforcing Nigeria’s long-standing role as a leading voice on African unity, peace and security, democratic governance and sustainable development.
Diplomatic sources say Nigeria’s engagement at this year’s AU meetings will focus sharply on some of the continent’s most urgent challenges: ending persistent conflicts, strengthening democratic institutions, boosting economic integration, mobilising development financing, safeguarding public health, tackling climate threats and accelerating the implementation of Agenda 2063, Africa’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth.
Beyond the formal sessions, Ambassador Tuggar is scheduled to hold a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from both African and non-African countries on the margins of the summit.
These engagements are aimed at consolidating Nigeria’s diplomatic relationships, advancing shared strategic interests and positioning the country as a central player in continental and global conversations.
Nigeria is also set to host and participate in select high-level side events during the AU meetings, including a Nigerian-led forum on regional partnerships for democracy.
The event is expected to spotlight Nigeria’s advocacy for democratic norms, public trust and strong institutions as foundations for Africa’s stability and development.
The Executive Council meeting serves as a critical build-up to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, scheduled for February 14 and 15, where final political decisions and declarations will be adopted at the highest level.
As Africa’s leaders converge on Addis Ababa, Nigeria’s active diplomacy under Ambassador Tuggar is sending a clear message: Abuja is not just attending the summit, it is shaping the conversation.
