While briefing the journalists immediately after the Federal Executive Council Meeting, the Minister of Information, Mr. Laraban Maku said that after the adoption of the previous conclusions, the Minister of foreign Affairs brought a note to apprise Council of the 50th Anniversary of the commemoration of the Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU) and the 21st Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU, held from 25th to 27th May, 2013 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
That the highlight of the summit was the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the founding of the OAU/AU, which provided the platform for a reflection of Africa's past experiences and the resolve to build an integrated, prosperous and peaceful continent, based on Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.
Another highlight of the summit was the presentation of the Strategic Plan of the African Union for the next 4 years – 2014 to 2017.
Another important agenda at the summit was the report on alternative sources of financing the AU.
Maku said the Minister of Foreign Affairs brought another note to apprise Council of the key conclusions and other significant outcomes of Nigeria's participation at the 67th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA); and specific follow-up actions that are pertinent as Nigeria prepares for the 68th Session of the global Assembly of nations in September, 2013.
That Nigeria would be required to outline the progress recorded in implementing the pledges made at the High Level Meeting on the Rule of Law especially as they relate to Counter Terrorism and Terrorism financing, the fight Against Corruption, Legal Aid Assistance in the Criminal Justice System etc.
The Arms Trade Treaty which establishes common international standard to regulate trade/transfers of Conventional Weapons and the illicit diversion of these arms globally would be open for signature in New York.
He said the sum of USD4, 376,750.00 would be required to give practical effect, in a comprehensive manner, to the decision for Nigeria to return to the Security Council for the period 2014 to 2015 during elections scheduled for October 2013 at the UN headquarters in New York.
That Nigeria stands the risk of losing its right to vote as well as participating in any decision-making process in the UN in keeping with the provisions of Article 19 of the UN Charter, if it does not settle its outstanding arrears of assessed contributions in the sum of USD9,247,192.00 by May 5th, 2013.
Maku said the Vice-President expressed concern over the ongoing strike by ASUU and requested the SGF and the Ministers of Education and Labour & Productivity to update Council on the situation. After hearing from them, the Vice-President recalled that the President had approved the implementation of the agreement with ASUU and therefore called on the Minister of Education to proceed with the speedy execution of the agreement. He directed the SGF and the Ministers of Education and Labour & Productivity to excogitate sustainable measures, including legislation, if necessary, to reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of university closures due to strikes.
The Council noted all the appraisals.
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Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria