President Bola Tinubu has dispatched a delegation to the governments of Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso following their recent decision to withdraw from the Economic Community of West African States as reported by Daily Trust.

The team, led by ECOWAS President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, includes Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru and Foreign Affairs Minister Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, among other high-ranking government officials.

The three countries officially announced their withdrawal from ECOWAS on Sunday, January 28, citing the enforcement of military regimes and the severance of diplomatic ties with France, their former colonial power, as reasons.

Addressing the bloc’s mediation and security council, Ambassador Tuggar highlighted the delegation’s efforts to propose solutions to pressing challenges such as climate change, violent extremism, migration, and organized crime.

Henshaw Ogubike, the spokesperson for the Defence Ministry, quoted Defence Minister Badaru as affirming Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to regional security cooperation. Badaru stressed the importance of collective action among ECOWAS member states in addressing security challenges.

“Nigeria remains committed to working hand in hand with our ECOWAS counterparts to ensure the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Defence Minister Badaru, as reported by Ogubike.

ECOWAS President Touray emphasized the importance of unity among member states in addressing shared challenges. “This is the right time to come together as members of the bloc and solve our common problems,” Touray stated.