NIGERIA has thrown its weight behind the African Union’s sweeping institutional reform agenda, pledging full implementation of agreed measures aimed at strengthening peace and security architecture, deepening democratic governance and enhancing cooperation with international financial institutions and the private sector.

The commitment was conveyed by President Bola Tinubu through Vice President Kashim Shettima at the closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Aligning with proposals before the summit, Nigeria endorsed restructuring initiatives targeted at improving domestic and regional resource mobilisation for affordable development financing, as well as the adoption of a continental framework for reducing inequality built on credible data systems, social protection mechanisms, productive employment and inclusive industrial policies.

On regional security, the Vice President commended the AU Peace and Security Council for endorsing the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a standby force designed to deliver rapid and coordinated maritime responses to threats across the sub-region.

He assured that Nigeria would meet its obligations toward the establishment of the force and the strengthening of the African Union Standby Force.
Shettima noted that the proliferation of small arms and light weapons remained a major driver of conflict and violent extremism in Africa, stressing the need for renewed continental focus on curbing the trend.

He added that Nigeria, as host of the task force headquarters, would provide critical infrastructure, including office facilities, maritime vessels, helicopters and temporary personnel to ensure operational effectiveness.

On governance and institutional processes, Nigeria supported proposals to refine the criteria for membership of the AU Peace and Security Council, advocating clearer modalities for cooperation between the continental body and Regional Economic Communities to improve predictability and effectiveness in peace and security management.

He also underscored the importance of closer coordination between the Peace and Security Council and the Committee of Ten Heads of State and Government on United Nations Security Council Reform.

Addressing democracy and constitutional order, the Vice President reaffirmed Nigeria’s backing for reforms designed to strengthen democratic institutions across Africa, while commending ongoing AU efforts to confront unconstitutional changes of government and promote accountable leadership.

In the same vein, Nigeria applauded the union’s decision to lift the suspension of Gabon and Guinea following the completion of their political transitions, urging other nations undergoing prolonged transitions to take similar steps toward reintegration.

On economic transformation, Shettima reiterated Nigeria’s position that Africa’s critical mineral resources must serve as strategic drivers of industrialization and structural transformation.

He called for coordinated continental policies that prioritise local processing, manufacturing and technology development, alongside regular briefings by African mining ministers to promote transparency and accountability.

He further welcomed the G20 Ubuntu approach to food security, encouraging responsible private sector participation across agricultural value chains, while calling for greater investment in storage, logistics, research, climate-resilient agriculture and targeted support for smallholder farmers, particularly women and youth.

Other heads of delegation from member states also made interventions on the thematic reform reports, reinforcing a collective continental push toward stronger institutions, sustainable development and a more coherent African voice in global affairs.