By Becky Usman

Nigeria has fulfilled its financial obligations to the African Union (AU) by making full payment of its annual contribution for the year 2023. Adamu Lamuwa, the permanent secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, announced this development during the 43rd ordinary session of the AU’s executive council in Nairobi, Kenya.

According to TheCable, President Bola Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Nairobi on Saturday to participate in the fifth mid-year coordination meeting (5thMYCM) of the AU, regional economic communities (RECs), regional mechanisms (RMs), and AU member states.

Lamuwa emphasized that Nigeria’s payment of the 2023 dues demonstrates the country’s commitment to fulfilling its responsibilities as a member state of the AU. He also commended President Tinubu for prioritizing the prompt payment of financial assessments.

During the executive council meeting, Lamuwa welcomed the positive outlook of African countries and the efficiency of AU departments and organs in the budget drafting process over the past three years. He further expressed Nigeria’s position on the proposed 2024 budget of the AU.

“Nigeria stressed the importance of an austerity-driven, results-oriented budget that avoids duplication,” Lamuwa stated. He highlighted the significance of accountability and prudent resource management, urging other member countries to fulfill their financial obligations.

Additionally, Lamuwa called for synergy among AU organs and departments, and he requested that the AU Commission (AUC) reduce travel costs by hosting more meetings at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The permanent secretary noted that the ministerial-level meeting, which preceded the participation of heads of state, adopted education as the theme for the AU in 2024. Lamuwa highlighted that this theme aligns with President Tinubu’s focus on education as a priority area domestically, emphasizing the timeliness and benefits of his leadership in Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).