President Bola Tinubu has landed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to attend the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government, scheduled from February 14 to 18, 2025.
His arrival was confirmed in a statement issued early Friday by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, titled ‘President Tinubu Arrives Ethiopia for AU Summit.’
According to the statement, Tinubu was welcomed at the airport by Ethiopia’s Deputy Chief of Protocol, Eshetu Legesse, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Charge d’Affaires of the Nigerian Embassy in Ethiopia, Nasir Aminu.
Following his arrival, Tuggar briefed the President on key summit agendas and recent diplomatic achievements, a discussion that extended until 2 a.m. on Friday. Among the highlights was the re-election of Bankole Adeoye as AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security. Additionally, Nigeria retained its seat on the AU Peace and Security Council, reinforcing the country’s role in promoting stability across Africa.
Several top government officials attended the briefing, including Finance Minister Wale Edun, Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru, Trade and Investment Minister Jumoke Oduwole, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo, Information and National Orientation Minister Muhammed Idris, Environment Minister Balarabe Lawal, and Minister of State for Finance Doris Uzoka-Anite. Also present were Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, and Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla.
This year’s AU summit, themed ‘Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,’ will focus on reparatory justice and racial healing.
During the summit, Tinubu is scheduled to address the African Union Peace and Security Council on pressing security issues, including the worsening conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
He will also participate in discussions on health financing, climate change, and the establishment of an Africa Credit Rating Agency.
The President is expected to return to Abuja on Monday, February 17.