Tinubu to Malian envoy: West-Africa stronger together

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Mali’s return to democratic governance and strengthening economic ties across West Africa, stating that regional unity remains key to shared prosperity.

According to a statement by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, President Tinubu, while receiving the Letter of Credence from Mali’s new Ambassador, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, on Thursday in Abuja, said no West African country can succeed on its own.

“We should strengthen our bilateral relations, and it is hoped that Mali will achieve its democratic goals. We are open to any support we can render,” the President said. “For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa. The Alliance of Sahel States (AES) has made its position clear, but no nation can succeed alone.”

He assured the Malian envoy that Nigeria considers Mali a brother nation, noting that his administration is committed to fostering unity and collaboration across the subregion. “You can see yourself as part of the family here,” he added.

In his remarks, Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed greetings from Malian Head of State, General Assimi Goita, and expressed deep appreciation for Nigeria’s continued leadership in the subregion and Africa. He praised Nigeria’s role in UN peace missions and acknowledged its influence in regional diplomacy.

President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from five other ambassadors: Bengt Van Loosdrecht (Netherlands), Selestine Gervas Kakele (Tanzania), Dr. Sabit Subasic (Bosnia and Herzegovina), Andrey Podelyshev (Russia), and Patrick Egloff (Switzerland).

During his meeting with the Tanzanian envoy, President Tinubu commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan for her leadership in the African Union. He expressed readiness to deepen collaboration in knowledge, technology, and cultural exchange.

The Tanzanian High Commissioner acknowledged the significant impact of Nigerian investments in Tanzania, citing contributions from the Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy.

“We should strengthen collaboration not only from government to government but also people to people as we see in the film industry and sports. Nigeria has a vibrant and wonderful film industry, and it is collaborating with Tanzania,’ the Ambassador stated.

With the Russian Ambassador Podelyshev, Tinubu discussed plans to expand cooperation in steel production, science, education, and nuclear energy, highlighting the need to revive the Ajaokuta Steel Complex.

Ambassador Podelyshev reaffirmed Russia’s readiness to expand cooperation, particularly in education and energy, emphasising ongoing agreements on nuclear power.

Addressing the Swiss ambassador, President Tinubu pledged to create a more investor-friendly environment through regulatory reforms, especially concerning potential litigation.

“We will address any legal issues that could impede progress in our economic relations,” he assured.

Ambassador Egloff highlighted growing Swiss investments in Nigeria, noting expansions by companies such as Nestlé and Lafarge in Lagos, Kano, and Gombe States, and praised ongoing collaboration on security and intelligence.

The President also met with Dr. Subasic of Bosnia and Herzegovina, who extended an invitation to Tinubu to visit the country and witness its post-war progress.

The engagements marked a reaffirmation of Nigeria’s foreign policy thrust under President Tinubu, centred on economic diplomacy, regional stability, and global cooperation.