By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting the African Union’s reform agenda, regional peace initiatives and Africa’s long-term socio-economic development during a bilateral meeting with the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
The meeting, held on Monday, July 27, 2026, focused on strengthening the African Union, advancing institutional reforms, promoting regional peace and stability, and accelerating the implementation of the continent’s development priorities.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu commended Youssouf for the progress recorded under his leadership of the African Union Commission and praised the Commission’s efforts to improve the institution’s effectiveness and efficiency. She reiterated Nigeria’s unwavering support for the Commission’s work in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Africa’s collective aspirations.
The minister also appreciated the Commission’s earlier decision on Nigeria’s permanent membership of the African Monetary Institute (AMI) mechanism and requested the issuance of the necessary corrigendum to formally reflect the decision adopted by the African Union Assembly and Executive Council. She further expressed gratitude for the appointment of qualified Nigerians into the African Union system.
In his response, Youssouf assured Nigeria that the issues raised would be addressed in line with the African Union’s recruitment procedures and quota system. He also pledged the Commission’s commitment to increasing the number of qualified Nigerians serving within the continental body.
The AUC Chairperson described Nigeria as a Tier One Member State, acknowledging its longstanding leadership role and significant financial contributions to the African Union. He noted that Nigeria’s continued commitment remains vital to the success of the continental organisation.
The discussions also reviewed political developments across Africa, particularly in the Sahel region, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. Both leaders stressed the need for sustained dialogue, constitutional governance and coordinated African responses to emerging political and security challenges. Youssouf appealed for Nigeria’s continued leadership in promoting peace, stability and democratic governance across the continent.
On economic development, both sides emphasized the importance of achieving greater continental self-reliance through investments in agriculture, industrialization, digital technology, artificial intelligence, innovation and job creation. They also highlighted the need to strengthen Africa’s healthcare systems and reduce dependence on external assistance in addressing public health challenges.
Youssouf commended the growing investments of African enterprises across the continent as examples of African-led industrial development and urged member states to deepen collaboration to unlock Africa’s economic potential.
The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming the enduring partnership between Nigeria and the African Union Commission, as well as Nigeria’s commitment to advancing African unity, regional integration, sustainable development and effective multilateral cooperation.
