Nigeria Opposes AU Proposal to Establish New Department

The Nigerian government has rejected the African Union’s proposal to create a new department, citing concerns over efficiency and administrative expansion.

Nigeria has expressed its support for the ongoing initiatives to reform the African Union (AU), but it stands firmly against a proposal to restructure one of the existing departments within the organization.

During discussions on African Union reforms, President Bola Tinubu—through Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar—voiced his appreciation for the reform initiatives spearheaded by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Kenyan President William Ruto.

A statement from Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, confirmed that Nigeria has endorsed important proposals. These include setting up a Heads of State and Government Oversight Committee led by President Ruto and creating a focused AU Summit agenda with no more than three strategic items.

Nonetheless, Nigeria opposed a proposed reorganization of the Department of Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS), which is headed by Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Bankole Adeoye. He was recently re-elected for another term during the 38th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government.

“We do not endorse the proposal to restructure the Department of Political Affairs, Peace and Security (PAPS), as doing so in its currently proposed form would result only in unnecessary expenses,” Tinubu conveyed via Ambassador Tuggar.

“Our Directorate of PAPS already includes a SOD, and establishing a separate Peace Support Operations Directorate outside the purview of Political Affairs, Peace and Security is unfeasible. We are concerned that creating another department from the existing one could disrupt the AU’s processes for political affairs and peace and security. Additionally, it’s crucial to ensure that any issues not previously addressed with Member States remain excluded from reforms,” he added.

President Tinubu highlighted the importance of a step-by-step approach to reforms, suggesting that it’s more effective to implement agreed policies rather than trying to reach widespread consensus on every detail simultaneously.

“In this context, Nigeria would like to emphasize that rather than trying to achieve consensus on every aspect of our reform all at once, we should focus on the areas where agreement has already been reached. Implementing reforms in stages is advantageous and preferable over ongoing consultations across all fronts indefinitely,” he stated.

Nigeria reaffirmed its commitment to AU reforms, provided they remain transparent and inclusive while preserving the organization’s existing structures without unnecessary disruption.