In a strategic move to reinforce political, security, and economic relations, President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a high-powered delegation to Burkina Faso, led by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar.
The visit highlights both countries’ commitment to closer cooperation and deeper regional integration.
The Nigerian delegation arrived in Ouagadougou on Wednesday, where Ambassador Tuggar met with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, delivering a message of solidarity and fraternity from President Tinubu.
Discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations, addressing regional security challenges, and promoting economic collaboration through coordinated action within existing sub-regional frameworks.
A key outcome of the visit was the amicable resolution of matters concerning Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, demonstrating the effectiveness of dialogue in handling sensitive bilateral issues.
President Traoré expressed appreciation to President Tinubu, emphasising the importance of closer collaboration to tackle shared security and developmental challenges across the Sahel and wider West African region.
Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to “good neighbourliness and sustained engagement with Burkina Faso,” underlining support for initiatives aimed at enhancing regional peace, stability, and economic integration.
He noted President Tinubu’s readiness to work closely with Burkina Faso to promote development and security in the region.
Both countries agreed to maintain regular consultations and pursue practical measures to deepen bilateral cooperation, reflecting a shared resolve to advance peace, unity, and stability in West Africa.
During the visit, the delegation also met with the detained Nigerian crew, who were reported to be in high spirits.
The Nigerian delegation included notable officials such as Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency; Air Vice Marshal A. Y. Abdullahi, Chief of Policy and Plans of the 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, highlighting its significance in reinforcing cooperation between the two nations.
The visit underscores Nigeria’s proactive role in promoting regional cohesion and collective action in West Africa, signaling a renewed focus on security, development, and multilateral collaboration in the Sahel region.
