The outgoing president of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Omar Touray, has commended President Bola Tinubu for his leadership in reducing tensions and promoting regional integration in West Africa.

Mr Touray stated this after a farewell meeting with Mr Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, ahead of the expiration of the tenure of the current ECOWAS Commission management at the end of August.

He said Nigeria, under Mr Tinubu’s leadership, had continued to play a critical role in advancing peace, stability and cooperation across the sub-region.

According to him, the decline in tensions across West Africa reflects the commitment of Mr Tinubu and Nigeria to regional peace and integration.

“If today we are saying tensions have gone down in West Africa, we should give credit to President Tinubu and to Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s role in West Africa continues to be extremely important, and I am happy that the President appreciates this role,” Mr Touray said.

He said his visit was to bid the president farewell and thank him for the support he gave the ECOWAS Commission throughout his tenure.

Mr Touray described Mr Tinubu as a pillar of regional stability whose leadership strengthened cooperation among ECOWAS member states.

He said he was privileged to have worked under Mr Tinubu during his tenure as chairman of the ECOWAS Authority, describing the president as open, supportive and committed to the sub-region’s future.

Mr Touray also acknowledged the contributions of Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and other government officials to the work of the regional bloc.

He expressed confidence that the progress recorded in regional cooperation and integration would be sustained. 

(NAN)