Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to serving as a catalyst for Africa’s economic transformation and continental integration, with the Federal Government pledging sustained support for policies aimed at advancing sustainable development and strengthening regional cooperation across the continent.
Speaking at the 2026 Africa Day celebration in Abuja, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, said the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to promoting African unity under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The event, organised by the Forum of African Missions, commemorated the founding of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963, now the African Union. The 2026 edition 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 development prospects depend on stronger collaboration among member states in addressing shared challenges, insisting that continental unity remains indispensable.
“There is no alternative to African unity,” she said, noting that Africa Day symbolises the continent’s shared history, struggles and collective aspirations for peace, prosperity and integration.
She observed that the founding leaders of the OAU envisioned a continent anchored on solidarity, sovereignty and economic emancipation, adding that this vision continues to guide contemporary African diplomacy and development efforts.
Describing Africa Day as more than a ceremonial observance, the minister said it represents “the enduring vision and courage” of the continent’s founding fathers who sought political and economic liberation through unity.
She also underscored the strategic importance of water and sanitation in Africa’s development agenda, describing water as central to health, food security, industrialisation, energy production and environmental sustainability.
The minister expressed concern over the persistent lack of access to clean water and adequate sanitation in many African communities, warning that the deficit poses serious risks to public health, livelihoods and economic stability.
“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 said.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu called on African countries to invest in resilient infrastructure, deepen cooperation on transboundary water resources and adopt innovative technologies to ensure equitable access to water and sanitation services.
She said the theme of the 2026 celebration aligns with the objectives of Agenda 2063, the African Union’s long-term framework for inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The minister also highlighted the role of African culture in promoting peace, integration and development, noting that the continent’s diversity should be leveraged as a strength for unity and cooperation.
“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 said.
She identified insecurity, economic inequality, climate vulnerability and structural injustices in the global system as key challenges requiring coordinated African responses.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu further called on Africans to renew confidence in the continent’s future and recommit to building a society where dignity, opportunity and prosperity are accessible to all citizens.
