Nigeria has called for strengthened fiscal discipline, institutional accountability, and the timely implementation of audit recommendations across organs of the African Union.
This was contained in a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
According to the statement, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made the call while delivering Nigeria’s statement on the Report of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) at the 48th Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union.
The minister emphasized that expanding personnel numbers without measurable improvements in output could weaken institutional efficiency.
He expressed concern over discrepancies in financial records, breaches of procurement and contracting procedures, and the low recovery rate of loans and advance payments. He urged the Council to adopt a clear timeline for the full implementation of all outstanding audit recommendations without exception.
On multilateral engagement, Nigeria supported the application of the Banjul Formula in forthcoming Africa–India and Africa–Türkiye partnerships, underscoring the need for coordinated continental positions.
Addressing humanitarian issues, the minister highlighted the plight of internally displaced persons, refugees, and other vulnerable populations, calling for increased attention to the Sahel and Lake Chad regions.
On migration, Nigeria cautioned against third-country arrangements that externalize migrant processing, noting that such frameworks could undermine the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the AU’s efforts to end statelessness.
He welcomed progress under the African Continental Free Trade Area while stressing the urgency of appointing a Head of Division for Digital Trade within the Secretariat.
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to institutional reform, principled multilateral cooperation, and a more accountable African Union.
(Editor: Ada Ononye)
