By Mohammed Bello Doka
Nigeria has successfully fulfilled its financial obligations to the African Union (AU) by making a complete payment of its assessed contributions for the year 2023. The confirmation came from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Adamu Ibrahim Lamuwa, during the 43rd Ordinary Session of the AU's Executive Council in Nairobi, Kenya.
Ambassador Lamuwa emphasized that this payment demonstrates Nigeria's unwavering commitment to its responsibilities as an AU member-state. He commended President Bola Tinubu for not only fulfilling his role as the Chairperson of ECOWAS but also for prioritizing prompt payment of financial assessments.
During the Executive Council meeting, the Permanent Secretary shared Nigeria's stance on the proposed 2024 Budget of the AU. He emphasized the importance of a budget that is driven by efficiency, accountability, and results, while avoiding duplication. Nigeria also encouraged other member countries to meet their financial obligations, highlighting the significance of prudent resource management.
The Permanent Secretary called for synergy and complementarity among AU organs and departments, suggesting that the AU Commission (AUC) reduce travel costs by hosting more meetings at its headquarters in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He also emphasized the need for compliance with internal audit processes to ensure transparency and accountability.
President Tinubu is scheduled to participate in the 5th Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Nairobi on Sunday, where discussions on other important matters will take place.
Ambassador Lamuwa also highlighted that the ministerial-level meeting preceding the participation of Heads of State adopted the theme of Education for the AU in 2024. This aligns well with President Tinubu's domestic focus on education as a priority area, making his leadership in Nigeria and ECOWAS both timely and beneficial.
Nigeria is among the major financial contributors to the African Union, along with four other member-states. The AU's 2023 budget of $654.8 million is primarily financed through annual statutory contributions, voluntary contributions from development partners, and other miscellaneous income. Development partners play a crucial role in supporting the AU's budget, covering at least 67% of the total amount, while member states, including Nigeria, contribute the remaining balance based on the approved scale of assessment by the Executive Council.
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