West Africa is stronger together, Tinubu tells Malian envoy

Innocent RaphaelMay 15, 2025

2 minutes read

IMG 20250515 WA0025 — President Tinubu also received a letter of credence from the Republic of Mali Ambassador to Nigeria, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, during the presentation of the letter at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional solidarity and democratic stability in West Africa, telling Mali’s new ambassador that the continent is stronger when its nations work together.

Speaking at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Thursday while receiving the Letter of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Mali, Cheick Oumar Coulibaly, President Tinubu emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to support Mali’s democratic transition and deepen economic ties.

“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,” Tinubu said. “For me, we are one in West Africa and Africa… No nation can succeed alone.”

He acknowledged the complexities surrounding the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), of which Mali is a part, but reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and shared progress.

Ambassador Coulibaly, in response, conveyed fraternal greetings from Mali’s Head of State, General Assimi Goïta, and expressed gratitude for Nigeria’s leadership across Africa. “I appreciate you as a leader and father in Africa,” he said, highlighting Nigeria’s pivotal role in peacekeeping and diplomacy.

President Tinubu also received credentials from five other foreign envoys, including:

Ambassador Bengt Van Loosdrecht (Netherlands)

IMG 20250515 WA0031 — The president receiving a letter of credence from the Kingdom of the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Bengt Josef Vanm Loosdrecht.

High Commissioner Selestine Gervas Kakele (Tanzania)

IMG 20250515 WA0026 — President Tinubu receiving a letter of credence from the United Republic of Tanzania High Commissioner to Nigeria, Selestine Gerbas Kakele, during the presentation of the letter at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

Non-resident Ambassador Dr. Sabit Subasic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

IMG 20250515 WA0028 — President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receiving a letter of credence from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Non-resident Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Sabit Subasic, during the presentation of the letter at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, May 15, 2025.

Ambassador Andrey Podelyshev (Russia)

IMG 20250515 WA0030 — A letter of credence from the Russian Federation Ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, was also presented to the President at the Presidential Villa.

Ambassador Patrick Egloff (Switzerland)

IMG 20250515 WA0029 — The Nigerian President also received a letter of credence from the Swiss Ambassador to Nigeria, Patrick Egloff.

During his meeting with the Tanzanian envoy, Tinubu praised President Samia Suluhu Hassan’s leadership and acknowledged Nigerian investments in Tanzania from companies such as Dangote, UBA, and GTB.

He told the Russian Ambassador that Nigeria is eager to revive and expand its technical partnership with Moscow, particularly in steel production, education, and nuclear energy. “The Ajaokuta Steel Complex… will only realize its potential when fully operational,” Tinubu stated.