German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier has urged Nigerian President Bola Tinubu to develop emergency strategies to enhance economic cooperation in the West African region. The call came during a meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday, as part of Steinmeier’s state visit to Nigeria.

According to a statement from Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Steinmeier expressed concerns about the economic and security repercussions of the continued exclusion of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

The German President stressed the importance of reintegrating these countries into ECOWAS, highlighting the severe consequences for regional stability and development. “We understand the significance of regional cooperation. As members of the European Union, we appreciate the value of unity. For Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, their current isolation presents serious security and economic challenges,” Steinmeier remarked.

Acknowledging the complexities of resolving the crisis through diplomacy, Steinmeier advised Tinubu, as ECOWAS Chairman, to prepare contingency plans for potential economic collaboration. “While working to reintegrate these nations through dialogue, you must also consider emergency economic strategies,” he added.

In his response, President Tinubu reassured Steinmeier that ECOWAS remains dedicated to the well-being of the citizens of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso. He emphasized the bloc’s commitment to resolving the situation diplomatically while ensuring that innocent civilians are not unfairly punished.

“We will not tolerate unconstitutional governments, but we also cannot overlook the suffering of innocent citizens caught in the middle. We will continue to allow free movement and trade and keep the door open for the restoration of democracy,” Tinubu stated.

The Nigerian leader also noted the reluctance of the military governments in these countries to establish clear transition timelines, but reaffirmed ECOWAS’s commitment to democratic principles. “As leaders, we will continue to lead by example and pursue all diplomatic avenues to ensure stability in the region,” he concluded.

Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger withdrew from ECOWAS in January, accusing the bloc of failing to support their fight against terrorism and imposing unjust sanctions. Following military coups between 2020 and 2023, ECOWAS suspended their membership and imposed sanctions on Niger and Mali.

Despite these ongoing challenges, ECOWAS, under Tinubu’s leadership, is seeking a balanced approach to prioritizing regional security and economic prosperity, while advocating for the restoration of democratic governance.