Nigeria calls for fiscal discipline, institutional reform in AU
Nigeria has called for fiscal discipline, institutional accountability, reform and timely implementation of audit recommendations across African Union (AU) organs. Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar made the
Nigeria has called for fiscal discipline, institutional accountability, reform and timely implementation of audit recommendations across African Union (AU) organs.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar made the call in a statement yesterday by Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the ministry.
The statement came against the backdrop of the minister’s report of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) delivered at the opening of the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to institutional reform, principled multilateral cooperation, and a stronger, more accountable African Union.
The 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU) began yesterday with high-level ministerial deliberations scheduled to hold ahead of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Nigeria is being represented at the executive session by Tuggar and Minister of Finance Mr. Wale Edun, according to a statement by Ebienfa.
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Ebienfa said the two ministers would participate in a series of ministerial meetings, high-level dialogues, and other side events, including bilateral engagements, in line with Nigeria’s commitment to advancing African unity, peace, security, democratic governance, and sustainable development on the continent.
However, Yusuf asserted that expanding personnel numbers without measurable improvements in output risks weakening institutional efficiency.
He expressed concern over discrepancies in financial records, violations of procurement and contracting rules, low rate of recovery of loans and advance payments.
Tuggar urged the council to adopt a clear timeline for the full implementation of all outstanding audit recommendations without exception.
On multilateral engagement, he said Nigeria supported the application of the Banjul Formula in forthcoming Africa–India and Africa–Türkiye partnerships, while underscoring the importance of coordinated continental positions.
The minister highlighted the situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), refugees, and vulnerable populations, while calling for greater attention to the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
Meanwhile, the minister cautioned against third-country arrangements that externalise migrant processing, noting that such frameworks risk undermining the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the AU’s efforts to end statelessness.
Tuggar, however, welcomed progress made under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while stressing the urgency of filling the Head of Division for Digital Trade position within the Secretariat.
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Meanwhile, Ebienfa explained that Nigeria’s engagement at the summit will focus on key continental priorities, including peace, security, and democratic governance.
According to a statement, the ministers are convening for the session to advance discussions on continental priorities and implementation of Agenda 2063, setting the policy framework to guide decisions by the assembly.
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Other ministerial deliberations would include institutional resilience, economic integration, development financing, health, security, climate resilience, and the implementation of Agenda 2063.
According to him, Tuggar will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts from various African and non-African countries on the margins of the Summit, aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and advancing shared strategic interests.
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“Nigeria will host and participate in selected high-level side events during the Session, including a Nigerian-led side event on regional partnerships for democracy.
“This will reflect the country’s longstanding commitment to democratic norms, public trust, and institutional strengthening across Africa.
“The ministry will also provide updates on key outcomes and engagements as the engagement progresses,” Ebienfa said.
The 39th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government, the highest decision-making body of the continental union, will hold from Feb. 14 to 15, 2026.
The Assembly session is expected to be led by its chairperson, Mr. João Manuel Gonçalves Lourenço, President of Angola.
