Key Statements By Nigeria’s Foreign Minister In Burkina Faso

The message was delivered on Wednesday during a meeting with President Traoré in Ouagadougou, where discussions centred on enhancing collaboration across key sectors, particularly security and the ongoing fight against terrorism.

Speaking after the engagement, Ambassador Tuggar said Nigeria and Burkina Faso share long-standing historical ties and common security challenges, stressing that the visit was aimed at reinforcing mutual understanding and good neighbourly relations.

He disclosed that both sides exchanged views on cooperation in several areas and also deliberated on the recent incident involving a Nigerian aircraft that made an emergency landing in Burkina Faso. The minister acknowledged that there were procedural lapses in the authorisation process for the aircraft’s entry into Burkina Faso’s airspace and expressed Nigeria’s regret over the development, while reaffirming Abuja’s respect for Burkina Faso’s sovereignty and international aviation regulations.

Ambassador Tuggar also distanced the Federal Government from comments reportedly made by an official of a Nigerian political party regarding the alleged maltreatment of Nigerian military personnel in Burkina Faso, describing the remarks as not reflective of the position of the Nigerian government.

He conveyed Nigeria’s sincere apologies to the Burkinabè authorities and commended President Traoré and his administration for their spirit of fraternity, as well as the humane treatment accorded to the occupants of the aircraft during their stay in the country.

The minister added that the talks extended to broader regional strategies to combat terrorism and violent extremism, noting that Burkina Faso had recorded notable progress in its counter-terrorism efforts.

Ambassador Tuggar reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to sustained dialogue, regional solidarity and deeper cooperation with Burkina Faso and other countries in the sub-region in addressing shared security challenges and promoting stability.