President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the interest and welfare of the citizens in Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger remain priority for leaders of ECOWAS, assuring that wisdom and diplomacy will make the difference in reintegrating the countries into the commission. 

Receiving the President of Germany, Frank–Walter Steinmeier, in a State Visit at the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja, President Tinubu, who is the Chairman of ECOWAS, noted that the leadership of the three countries had been reluctant in bringing out transition programmes with clear dates, but the regional body would leave the door open for the return of democracy in the countries.

Our Correspondent, Raliat Adenekan reports that President Tinubu also expressed strong commitments towards strengthening ties between Nigeria and Germany, and partnership across various sectors, particularly in energy and economic development.

In his response, the German President said the re-integration of the three countries will have significant impact on the economy and security of the West Coast, and commended the economic reforms underway in Nigeria.