Shettima Lands in Addis Ababa as Nigeria Secures Permanent Seat on African Central Bank Board

By Linda Ike

President Kashim Shettima has arrived in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, representing President Bola Tinubu at the 39th Ordinary Session of the African Union Assembly holding February 14–15, 2026.

The summit advances Africa’s Agenda 2063 priorities.

Shettima was welcomed at Bole International Airport by Ethiopian Minister of Innovation and Technology, Dr. Belete Mola, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Berhanu Tsegaye, Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, the Head of the Nigerian Embassy, and senior officials.

At the just-concluded 48th Session of the AU Executive Council led by Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister and attended by the Finance Minister, Nigeria scored major wins:

Permanent seat on the African Central Bank Board, and representation on the Technical Convergence Committee boosting Nigeria’s role in Africa’s financial future.

ECOWAS-backed candidates elected to the Peace and Security Council, showcasing West African unity for continental stability.

High-Level Panel on Regional Partnerships for Democracy, led by Nigeria, drawing ministers and delegates continent-wide to strengthen institutions and governance.

These achievements cement Nigeria’s leadership in economic integration, peace, security, and democracy under AU ideals.

In a statement, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa,
Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Federal Government recommits to partnering with AU members for Africa’s prosperity.