The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed sadness over the pronouncement by the Military authority in the Republic of Niger indicating that the Republics of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have withdrawn membership of their countries from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
In a statement yesterday, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, said Nigeria remained open for engagement with the three countries.
The statement partly read that for half a century, ECOWAS has worked to promote peace, prosperity and democracy in the region. Nigeria stands with ECOWAS to emphasize due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States.
It reiterated that Nigeria remains open for engagement with Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger so that all the people of the region can continue to enjoy the economic benefits and democratic values that ECOWAS embraces.”