Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Unity, Economic Transformation

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Unity, Economic Transformation

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has reaffirmed its resolve to serve as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation and continental integration, with the Federal Government pledging continued support for policies that promote sustainable development and stronger regional cooperation across the continent.

Speaking at the commemoration of the 2026 Africa Day celebration in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remained committed to advancing the ideals of African unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.

The event, organised by the Forum of African Missions, marked the anniversary of the establishment of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now the African Union (AU), in 1963. The 2026 celebration focused on the theme: “Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation System to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu stressed that Africa’s progress depended largely on the ability of its nations to work together in confronting common challenges.

“There is no alternative to African unity,” she declared, noting that Africa Day symbolises the continent’s shared history, collective struggles and aspirations for a united, peaceful and prosperous future.

According to the minister, the founding fathers of the OAU envisioned a continent bound by solidarity, sovereignty and economic liberation, adding that their dream continues to guide present-day African leaders.

“Africa Day is far more than a ceremonial observance. It is a powerful symbol of the enduring vision and courage of our founding fathers who established the OAU, now the AU, with the noble objective of promoting solidarity, safeguarding sovereignty and advancing the political and economic liberation of our continent,” she said.

The minister also drew attention to the critical importance of water access and sanitation, describing water as central to human survival, food security, industrial growth, energy generation and environmental sustainability.

She lamented that millions of Africans still lack access to clean water and adequate sanitation, warning that the situation threatens livelihoods, public health and economic stability across the continent.

“As Africa confronts the growing impacts of climate change, desertification, pollution and rapid urbanisation, our commitment to sustainable water management must become more deliberate and coordinated,” she stated.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu urged African countries to invest in resilient infrastructure, strengthen cooperation over shared water resources and adopt innovative technologies capable of guaranteeing equitable access to water and sanitation services.

She further noted that the theme of this year’s celebration aligns with the aspirations of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term blueprint for inclusive growth and sustainable development.

The minister also emphasised the role of African culture in promoting peace, regional integration and sustainable development, insisting that the continent’s diversity should serve as a bridge for deeper understanding and stronger cooperation among nations.

“Our progress as a continent depends on our ability to act together, to speak with one voice and to confront shared challenges with shared solutions,” she added.

She identified insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability and injustices in the global order as some of the major challenges requiring collective African action.

The minister called on Africans to renew their faith in the continent and recommit themselves to building a future where every citizen enjoys dignity, opportunity and prosperity.

Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Unity, Economic Transformation