Buhari Heads To Niger For African Union Summit

President Muhammadu Buhari will embark on an official trip to Niamey, the Republic of Niger to attend the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification.

The President’s spokesman, Garba Shehu confirmed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said while in Niamey, the Nigerian leader would also participate in the Extraordinary Session on African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He said, ”The President, who will depart Abuja on Thursday, will also attend the launching of French version of the Book entitled:‘Muhammadu Buhari: The Challenges of Leadership in Nigeria’.

The presidential aide disclosed that Buhari would inaugurate the ‘Muhammadu Buhari Boulevard’, named after him by the Government of the Republic of Niger.

According to Shehu, the naming of the Boulevard and launch of the French version of the Book, written by John Paden, a Professor of International Studies at George Mason University, northern Virginia, United States, precedes the AU Summit on Friday.

He revealed that the president would also deliver his National Statement at the African Union Summit on Industrialization and Economic Diversification.

The theme of the meeting is: ‘Industrialising Africa: Renewed commitment towards an Inclusive and Sustainable Industrialization and Economic Diversification.’

”The High-Level Summit, being convened as part of the Africa Industrialization Week annual commemorative activities, is expected to adopt a Declaration, highlighting the importance of industrialization and economic transformation in the continent and how to make progress in that regard,” Shehu said.

Every Nov. 20 is commemorated as the Africa Industrialization Day, adopted by the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the then Organization of African Unity in July 1989, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

According to Shehu, the Extraordinary Session on AFCFTA is expected to adopt the Phase II Protocols of the continental free trade area as well launch additional operation tools.