Nigeria has secured a permanent seat on the board of the African Central Bank at the 39th Summit of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, described the development as a landmark diplomatic achievement for Nigeria and the West African sub-region.
He disclosed that Nigeria would also host the African Monetary Institute and the African Central Bank.
Tuggar said the board seat was confirmed during plenary, noting that the bid initially faced resistance from some member states.
According to him, the breakthrough underscores Nigeria’s growing influence in continental financial governance.
Beyond monetary matters, West African countries recorded gains in elections into the AU Peace and Security Council.
Côte d’Ivoire and Sierra Leone were returned to the council, while the Republic of Benin secured a fresh mandate.
The council deliberated on security situations in Sudan and Somalia during its session.
Nigeria opposed Sudan’s potential readmission, citing the AU’s stance against unconstitutional changes of government.
Tuggar said Nigeria insisted that established rules must guide participation in the continental body.
This year’s summit is themed around sustainable water availability and sanitation under the AU’s Agenda 2063 framework.
The minister highlighted Nigeria’s demographic weight and strategic relevance in advancing water sustainability initiatives.
He noted that the country’s origins at the confluence of the Rivers Niger and Benue underscore the importance of water resources.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also joined Nigeria’s delegation for high-level engagements at the summit.
