President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dispatched a high-powered delegation to Burkina Faso, led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, to reaffirm the two countries’ commitment to closer cooperation and enhanced regional integration. The visit focused on bolstering political, security, and economic relations between Nigeria and Burkina Faso.
The delegation arrived in Ouagadougou on Wednesday and held talks with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré. Ambassador Tuggar conveyed a message of solidarity and fraternity from President Tinubu and engaged in discussions on strengthening bilateral ties, regional security coordination, and economic collaboration. The talks emphasized joint strategies to address regional security challenges and collective action within sub-regional frameworks.
Significantly, the visit led to the amicable resolution of issues concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, demonstrating the effectiveness of diplomatic dialogue in managing sensitive matters. President Traoré expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, stressing the importance of “closer collaboration, particularly in addressing shared security and development challenges across the Sahel and the wider West African region.”
Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to “good neighbourliness and sustained engagement with Burkina Faso,” highlighting support for initiatives aimed at promoting regional cohesion, peace, and economic integration. He also emphasized President Tinubu’s readiness to work closely with Burkina Faso to advance stability and development in the region.
Both nations agreed to maintain regular consultations and pursue practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation, reflecting a shared determination to promote peace, unity, and stability in West Africa. The delegation also met with the detained Nigerian crew, who were reportedly in high spirits.
Other members of the Nigerian delegation included Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; Air Vice Marshal A. Y. Abdullahi, Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force; Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS; and Ambassador Wahab Akande, Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the details of the visit.
