Nigeria has marked a significant diplomatic milestone after the 39th Session of the Executive Council of the African Union (AU), securing a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank.
The development, announced by Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in shaping Africa’s financial architecture.
“The Council’s agreement to grant Nigeria a permanent seat on the Board of the African Central Bank is a landmark development,” Ambassador Tuggar said.
“This decision also extends Nigeria’s representation to the Board of the Technical Convergence Committee of the African Monetary Institute, which serves as the precursor to the establishment of the African Central Bank.”
He added that the achievement reflects Nigeria’s technical capacity, economic significance, and commitment to advancing Africa’s monetary integration agenda.
Beyond finance, the summit highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in promoting peace, security, and democratic governance across the continent. The session saw the successful election of candidates endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to the Peace and Security Council.
“This outcome reflects the strong cohesion, cooperation, and unity among ECOWAS Member States, as well as the region’s shared commitment to promoting stability and collective security across the continent,” Ambassador Tuggar noted.
Nigeria also took the lead in organising a Ministerial High-Level Panel Discussion on Regional Partnerships for Democracy. The event attracted ministers, senior government officials, and delegates from across Africa and the international community.
According to Ambassador Tuggar, the panel “facilitated constructive dialogue on strengthening democratic institutions, fostering inclusive governance, and enhancing collaborative regional approaches to sustaining democratic values.”
“The engagements and outcomes at the 39th Executive Session reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to the ideals and objectives of the African Union, particularly in promoting economic integration, institutional development, peace, security, and democratic governance across the continent,” he said.
Ambassador Tuggar concluded by emphasising the Federal Government’s commitment to working collaboratively with AU Member States and regional bodies. “Nigeria remains dedicated to advancing Africa’s shared prosperity and sustainable development,” he said.
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