Tinubu’s leadership helped restore stability in West Africa -

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

Outgoing President of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, has credited President Bola Tinubu’s leadership with strengthening regional integration and helping restore stability across West Africa,l.

He described the Nigerian leader as a committed statesman, whose influence had been pivotal in easing tensions across the sub-region.

Speaking with State House correspondents after a farewell audience with Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Touray said Nigeria’s leadership under the President had been central to the progress recorded in reducing political and security tensions.

“If today we are saying tensions have reduced in West Africa, we should give credit to President Tinubu and Nigeria,” he said.

Touray noted that Nigeria’s strategic role within ECOWAS remained indispensable, adding that Tinubu’s administration consistently provided leadership whenever the region required direction.

“Nigeria’s role in West Africa remains extremely important. I am happy the President appreciates this responsibility, while the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and other cabinet members have also played their roles whenever called upon to lead the region,” he added.

Touray said he visited the President ahead of the expiration of the current ECOWAS Commission’s mandate at the end of August to express appreciation for Tinubu’s unwavering support.

“President Tinubu has been a pillar of the region. We could not leave office without thanking him for the role he has played, and continues to play, not only for Nigeria but for the entire region and Africa,” he said.

Reflecting on his two-year tenure, Touray described working with Tinubu as an honour, praising his openness, generosity and commitment to West African integration.

“I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with him, listen to his counsel and benefit from his advice,” he added.