President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Mali’s return to democratic governance, stressing the importance of unity and cooperation among West African nations.
Speaking at the State House in Abuja while receiving the Letter of Credence from Mali’s Ambassador, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, President Tinubu described the countries of West Africa as members of one family bound by a shared destiny. “No nation can succeed alone,” he said, calling for stronger collaboration beyond political alliances.
Ambassador Coulibaly, delivering greetings from Malian Head of State General Assimi Goïta, lauded Nigeria’s leadership on the continent, particularly in peacekeeping and regional stability. He echoed the belief that Africa must take ownership of its challenges, saying, “Africans must solve African problems.”
President Tinubu also received letters of credence from the ambassadors of the Netherlands, Tanzania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, and Switzerland, using the occasion to call for closer global cooperation in peacebuilding, economic development, and cultural exchange.
In talks with Tanzania’s High Commissioner, Tinubu commended President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership within the African Union. The envoy highlighted growing Nigerian investments in Tanzania such as those by the Dangote Group and Nigerian banks, and expanding collaboration in the creative and sports sectors. ”Nigeria’s vibrant film industry is already working with Tanzania,” the ambassador said.
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During his meeting with Russia’s ambassador, President Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s interest in reviving and deepening technical cooperation in key sectors including steel production, nuclear energy, and education. He emphasised the importance of the Ajaokuta Steel Complex originally built with Russian support to Nigeria’s industrial aspirations.
In a separate engagement, Tinubu assured the Swiss ambassador of his administration’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at improving the business climate. The envoy, Ambassador Egloff, acknowledged Swiss companies like Nestlé and Lafarge for their growing presence in Nigeria, and noted the strong cooperation between both countries in security and intelligence.
Welcoming the ambassador of Bosnia and Herzegovina, President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral relationship. The ambassador extended an invitation to Tinubu to visit Bosnia, expressing confidence that such a visit would further strengthen ties and offer the Nigerian leader insight into Bosnia’s post-conflict transformation.
