Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu, reaffirmed his commitment to successfully conclude his economic reform program despite the crisis in Niger Republic. He stated that the crisis would not hinder his efforts and that he is focused on advancing the interests of the Nigerian state. Tinubu emphasized that he takes no direction from any other nation and will handle the regional standoff in a way that benefits Nigeria.
He mentioned that he is utilizing diplomatic tools to peacefully resolve the issue in Niger and is holding back the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to exhaust other means before considering further actions. He noted that while war is not ideal for his economic reforms or the region, the defense of democracy is paramount. ECOWAS has agreed not to allow insincere delays in the resolution of the crisis.
The US, through its Special Presidential Envoy, expressed its support for ECOWAS and commended Tinubu’s leadership as the Chairman of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government. Tinubu accepted the invitation to meet the US President on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. He acknowledged that the work of perfecting democracy is ongoing, even in developed democracies like the United States, as well as in other emerging democracies worldwide.