Nigeria's Pan African Business Forum has strongly condemned Iran's missile and drone assault on the United Arab Emirates this week.
Ladislas Prosper Agbesi, who chairs the forum, released a statement on Thursday. He branded the strike a violation of international law.
Monday's attack saw Iran fire 15 missiles and four drones at the UAE. Abu Dhabi's air defences intercepted all of them, officials said.
The Emirates has vowed to respond. It called the assault "treacherous" and said it reserves the right to retaliate.
Agbesi warned the strike threatens regional and global stability. "Such aggression is unacceptable and must be firmly rejected by the international community," he said.
PABF threw its weight behind Abu Dhabi. The business group affirmed the UAE's right to defend itself and protect its territory.
In its formal position, PABF rejected any attempt to penalise the UAE for its policy choices. Sovereign nations must be free to chart their own course, the forum argued.
It called on African governments to speak with one voice. Regional institutions should also back efforts to maintain peace and uphold international order, PABF said.
Tensions between Iran and the UAE continue to simmer dangerously. Officials worry the conflict could widen into a larger regional war.
PABF has urged Tehran to restart talks with the UAE. It's asking Iran to step back from further provocations immediately.
The forum emphasised that escalation serves no one's interests. De-escalation remains the only path forward for both nations, it insisted.
