Tuggar Leads Nigeria’s Delegation to AU Executive Council Meeting in Addis Ababa

Michael Olugbode in Abuja

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to lead the country’s delegation to the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU).

According to a statement on Tuesday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kimiebi Ebienfa, the minister will participate in the high-level meeting scheduled for Wednesday, February 11, and Thursday, February 12, 2026, at the African Union Headquarters, as part of Nigeria’s continued engagement in advancing continental unity, peace and sustainable development.

Tuggar arrived in the Ethiopian capital on Monday, February 9, and was received by Ethiopia’s State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Berhanu Tsegaye, alongside Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Ethiopia, Ambassador Nasir Aminu, and officials of the Nigerian Mission.

During the Executive Council session, the Nigerian delegation is expected to take part in a series of ministerial meetings, policy dialogues, side events and bilateral engagements aimed at promoting shared African priorities.

These include peace and security, democratic governance, economic integration, institutional resilience and sustainable development.

The Executive Council meeting precedes the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, scheduled to hold from February 14 to 15, 2026.

Nigeria’s participation at the Summit will focus on key continental issues such as development financing, health security, climate resilience and the implementation of the AU’s Agenda 2063.

The Foreign Affairs Minister is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from across Africa and beyond on the margins of the meetings, with discussions expected to centre on strengthening diplomatic relations and advancing Nigeria’s strategic interests.

In addition, Nigeria will host and participate in selected high-level side events during the AU sessions.

 Among them is a Nigerian-led forum on regional partnerships for democracy, underscoring the country’s long-standing commitment to democratic norms, public trust and institutional strengthening across the continent.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said updates on key deliberations and outcomes of Nigeria’s engagements will be provided as the meetings progress.