NIGERIA: ‘We’re Better Off Together’ – Tinubu to Mali Gov

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Thursday restated Nigeria’s commitment to supporting Mali’s democratic transition and called for stronger regional cooperation, declaring that West African nations are “better off together.”

The President made the statement while receiving the Letter of Credence from the Malian Ambassador to Nigeria, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

Tinubu said, “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. I want you to see yourself as a member of the family here. 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. We see Mali as a brother and are ready to collaborate and exchange ideas.”

President Tinubu assured the Malian envoy that Nigeria remains open to deeper cooperation.

He added: “I can assure you that Nigeria is home for you. When you feel like seeing us, our doors will always be open.”

Ambassador Coulibaly conveyed greetings from Mali’s Head of State, General Assimi Goïta, and thanked Nigeria for its longstanding role in peacekeeping and regional leadership.

Coulibaly said: “I wish to convey the fraternal greetings of the Head of State, Gen. Assimi Goïta, and the highest appreciation of the Malian people for the Nigerian leadership and support. The Head of State particularly told me that I was on a mission to the biggest country in Africa. He said he knows it’s not easy, but I should look for solutions as a diplomat. We know that Africans must solve African problems.”

In a wider diplomatic engagement, President Tinubu also received letters of credence from envoys representing five other countries: the Netherlands, Tanzania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Russia, and Switzerland.

While welcoming Tanzania’s High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele, Tinubu praised the leadership of President Samia Suluhu Hassan and pledged closer ties in areas of mutual interest.

The President stated, “We will continue to work together. You can see the situation across the world. No one can do it alone. We will continue to collaborate in areas of knowledge and technical know-how.”

The Tanzanian envoy acknowledged Nigeria’s economic presence in Tanzania, citing investments from Dangote Group, UBA, GTB, and Sahara Energy.

Kakele said. “We should strengthen collaboration not only 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.”

In a separate meeting with Ambassador Andrey Leonidovich Podelyshev of the Russian Federation, President Tinubu emphasised the need to rejuvenate technical partnerships, especially in the steel and energy sectors.

He said, “Our partnership has been fulfilling, but we need more technological support with our rapidly growing population. The Ajaokuta Steel Complex, constructed by Russian companies, will only realise its potential when fully operational.”

Ambassador Podelyshev reiterated Russia’s interest in expanding cooperation.

He noted, referencing the ongoing nuclear power agreements with Nigeria; “Russia is ready to expand cooperation, particularly in education and energy.