Nigeria backs AU’s institutional reforms on peace, security

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Nigerian Government has endorsed the proposed institutional reforms in the African Union (AU), with a focus on peace and security governance.

Nigeria’s position was presented by the Vice-President Kashim Shettima, at the closed session of the 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Shettima also declared the support of Nigeria on strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring stronger cooperation with international financial institutions and the private sector.

Similarly, he said, the country also aligned with proposed restructurings aimed at boosting domestic and regional resource mobilisation for affordable development financing.

Shettima said, “And the adoption of a continental framework on reducing inequality built on credible data, social protection, productive jobs and inclusive industrial policies, among others.”

Shettima commended the Peace and Security Council for endorsing the Combined Maritime Task Force for the Gulf of Guinea as a standby force to provide coordinated maritime security responses across the region.

He pledged Nigeria’s commitment to implementation of its part of the agreement in the establishment of the force as well as the strengthening of the African Union Standby Force.