Nigeria, Burkina Faso Reaffirm Commitment to Stronger Relations, Resolve Pilot Issue Amicably

Nigeria and Burkina Faso have restated their determination to deepen bilateral relations, with emphasis on political, security and economic cooperation.

A high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, met with Burkina Faso’s President, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, in Ouagadougou on Wednesday to explore avenues for strengthening ties and promoting regional integration.

President Traoré received the delegation and conveyed his appreciation for the goodwill message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing the need for closer cooperation to address shared security and development challenges confronting the Sahel and the wider West African region. He also underscored the longstanding cordial relations between both countries.

In his remarks, Ambassador Tuggar reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to good neighbourliness and continued engagement with Burkina Faso, affirming the country’s strong support for initiatives geared towards enhancing regional cohesion, peace and economic integration.

“We remain firmly supportive of initiatives aimed at strengthening regional cohesion, peace and economic integration,” the minister said.

Discussions during the visit also led to the amicable resolution of issues relating to Nigerian Air Force pilots and crew, further boosting mutual confidence and demonstrating the value of dialogue in resolving sensitive matters. Members of the delegation visited the detained crew, who were reported to be in good spirits.

Both countries agreed to maintain regular consultations and implement practical steps to advance bilateral cooperation and regional integration, reflecting a shared commitment to peace, unity and stability within the sub-region.

The Nigerian delegation comprised the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed; the Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal A. Y. Abdullahi; Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to ECOWAS, Ambassador Olawale Emmanuel Awe; and the Chief of Protocol at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Wahab Akande.