ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In keeping with the goals of the Abuja Treaty, President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria announced during a critical speech at the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union (AU) that Nigeria was prepared to welcome the African Central Bank. In order to guarantee the bank’s effective opening in 2028, the President highlighted his administration’s commitment to working with the African Union Commission and member states.
The importance of Africa’s joint efforts in overcoming obstacles and attaining democratic government and economic development was emphasised by President Tinubu. He noted that although there are external difficulties such as climate change and global trade imbalances, domestic issues like autocratic government resulting from coups and constitutional manipulations must also be addressed.
Commenting on military takeovers in Guinea, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, President Tinubu urged a balanced perspective, stating that disagreements over governance changes should not lead to permanent ruptures within regional affiliations like ECOWAS. He emphasized the broader goal of a peaceful, united West Africa, urging constructive dialogue.
Addressing the summit’s theme on education, President Tinubu highlighted its critical role in finding creative solutions to long-standing continental challenges. He expressed his administration’s commitment to educational reform in Nigeria, spanning school feeding programs, curriculum redesign, and the promotion of Information and Communication Technology to empower youths for the 21st-century global economy.
President Tinubu extended an invitation to the Africa Counter-Terrorism Summit in Abuja, scheduled for April 2024. The summit aims to address the root causes of violent extremism, addressing issues like poverty, political access, and the propagation of hateful ideologies beyond military and law enforcement perspectives.
As Nigeria positions itself for a central role in continental initiatives, President Tinubu’s address signals a proactive stance on economic, governance, and security fronts, emphasizing collaboration and youth empowerment for a prosperous future.
