President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union Heads of State and Government, scheduled from February 14 to 18, 2025.
According to a statement from Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu was welcomed at the airport by Ethiopian Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, along with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the charge d’affaires of Nigeria’s embassy in Ethiopia, Nasir Aminu.
Following his arrival, Tinubu was briefed on key diplomatic developments, including Nigeria’s re-election to the AU Peace and Security Council. Tuggar described this as a reaffirmation of “Nigeria’s leadership and commitment to peace and security on the continent.” Additionally, Bankole Adeoye was re-elected as the AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security.
At the high-level briefing, several top government officials were present, including Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole, Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Information and National Orientation Muhammed Idris, Minister of Environment Balarabe Lawal, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite. Also in attendance were the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, and the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
This year’s AU summit is themed “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.” It will address issues surrounding reparatory justice and racial healing.
President Tinubu is expected to deliver a speech at the AU Peace and Security Council meeting, where discussions will center on pressing security concerns, including the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Additionally, he will participate in discussions on health financing, the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency, and climate change.
The Nigerian leader is scheduled to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.
