NIGERIA NEWS
How Enugu community is leading the push for family planning
Across many communities in Nigeria, misconceptions, cultural resistance and religious misunderstandings continue to limit access to family planning.
Persistent myths suggest that contraceptives cause barrenness among women of reproductive age.
As a result, young and married women face unintended pregnancies, rising maternal deaths, pressure on household resources and reduced access to education and economic opportunities.
Albeit growing awareness nationally, access to and uptake of modern family planning methods remain uneven.
According to the 2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), the percentage of currently married women using modern contraceptives varies widely across states; from a high of about 43 per cent in Ekiti State to as low as three per cent in Kebbi State.
Against this backdrop, Enugu State is making relative progress.
The NDHS shows that 50.5 per cent of women in Enugu have never used family planning methods, with 35.6 per cent currently using them, figures that are comparatively higher than many states but still below optimal levels of demand satisfaction.
However, cultural barriers continue to make uptake difficult in some settings, especially where women cannot freely make reproductive health decisions.
Nationally, only three out of 10 married women report being able to make informed decisions on sexual relations, contraceptive use and personal healthcare, a key benchmark of reproductive autonomy.
Advocacy from traditional leaders
In Enugu, traditional and religious leaders are increasingly expanding family planning awareness and acceptance by providing the cultural legitimacy and moral framing that health workers often struggle to achieve on their own.
Through community dialogues, village meetings and faith-based gatherings, these leaders correct misinformation, reassure families that family planning aligns with cultural and religious values, and encourage couples to make informed reproductive choices.
The Traditional Ruler of Amorji Nike and former Chairman of the Enugu East Local Government Area Council of Traditional Rulers, Titus Okolo, stated that he is utilising his office to amplify campaigns and community demand for modern family planning.
According to Mr Okolo, in spite of Igbo culture’s encouragement of large families, he has sensitised couples to embrace modern family planning to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
“Life is a stage. As we grow older and die, the community needs new ones who will help to keep the community going.
“So in Igboland, there is nothing that forbids a woman from giving birth to as many children as she desires if the family has the resources to train them.
“But the present condition of the country does not support giving birth to many children that the family cannot train. So we encourage them to adopt family planning to control the number of children,” Mr Okolo said.
He added that his advocacy has influenced other traditional rulers to speak openly about safer pregnancies and healthier, economically stable families.
“MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices and Nigeria Health Watch have been inviting me to their programmes through which they teach us about family planning and contraceptives.
“Based on that, I have made child spacing part of my leadership advocacy as I call on men and other traditional rulers to help disseminate these messages. Culture and religion are no longer a barrier,” he stated.
And religious leaders, too
Religious leaders are also contributing to the shift in attitudes.
Ifeanyi Ofili, a pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Enugu, said the church is using the pulpit to educate members on responsible reproductive choices.
“As Christians, we believe that sexual intercourse involves both partners who plan together and encourages child spacing,” Mr Ofili said.
He emphasised that family planning decisions should be made jointly by couples.
“We encourage spacing because a woman’s body undergoes a lot with continuous childbirth.
“We do not encourage giving birth to children you cannot cater for, because they (eventually) become a burden to the family and society.
“With my effort, our church now organises health talks two or three times a year. We invite experts.
“They even come for cervical cancer screening. We are not health professionals, so we allow them to do their work,” he explained.
Resident shares her experience
For Enugu residents like Jonnex Onu, the advocacy influenced her decision to adopt modern family planning for child spacing and to improve her health outcomes.
“I have been into modern family planning methods for over a year now.
“I went into modern family planning methods because of the economic hardship.
“I have two children now, and the main thing that motivated me to go into modern family planning is increased awareness.
“My first child is four years plus, and the second child is two years now. And when I talk of we, I mean my husband and I, because it is not only me that is in it.
“So he gave his consent for me to take the modern family planning method,” he said.
Mrs Onu also addressed early concerns about side effects.
“At the initial time I took the implant method, I was having spotting and irregular menstrual cycles, but later on it stopped”.
At the service delivery level, health facilities are also reporting an increase in demand.
A family planning provider at Hilltop Health Centre in Enugu Ngwo, Chidimma Nnamani, stated that the facility now attends to dozens of women each month.
The facility provides family planning services to 50 to 60 women per month.
“We also educate couples about family planning, especially those in rural areas, to prevent them from dying from unwanted pregnancies,” she said.
In spite this progress, national and state data suggest that unmet need for family planning remains high, and no Nigerian state has yet met the National Policy on Population target of reducing unmet need to 10 per cent by 2025.
State variations are also stark. While some southern states have doubled contraceptive prevalence in recent years, many northern states still report single-digit modern contraceptive use.
READ ALSO: Suicide bomber kills five soldiers in Borno
Policy experts argue that sustaining and accelerating progress will require more decisive government action.
This includes increased funding, improved supply chains, expanded community education and male engagement, alongside continued support from traditional and religious institutions.
Ultimately, while challenges remain, the consistent voices of trusted leaders in Enugu have helped soften resistance, reshape attitudes, improve maternal health outcomes, and empower families to plan their futures with dignity.
(NANFeatures)
NIGERIA NEWS
Stanley Olisa Named Corporate Communications Professional of the Year at LaPRIGA – THISDAYLIVE
Victoria Ojiako
Stanley Olisa, a prominent voice in Nigeria’s communications sector, has won Corporate Communications Professional of the Year at the 2025 Lagos Public Relations Industry Gala and Awards(LaPRIGA), a leading industry platform recognising excellence in public relations and strategic communications in Nigeria.
The Corporate Communications Professional Award recognises in-house communications leaders who have demonstrated measurable impact in building and protecting organisational reputation while advancing strategic objectives. Olisa, who currently leads global PR at Helpster, was shortlisted alongside senior communications leaders from top organisations— Nestlé and Nigerian Bottling Company Plc.
With a decade of experience across aviation, oil & gas, tech, financial services, health and international development sectors, Olisa was honoured for managing complex, multi-stakeholder communications environments and delivering effective internal and external strategies that strengthened trust and organisational credibility.
Judges highlighted his leadership in reputation management during periods of organisational change, noting clear alignment between communications strategy, executive decision-making and business priorities. His work showed sustained impact on corporate reputation and stakeholder confidence.
Commenting on the recognition, Olisa said the award reflects the growing importance of communications as a leadership function. “Corporate communications is no longer peripheral. It shapes credibility, guides trust and determines how organisations earn their social licence to operate,” he stated.
The LaPRIGA is organised by the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to celebrate outstanding professional practice and promote global standards within the communications industry.
NIGERIA NEWS
Tinubu to Niger Delta leaders: Dwelling on past neglect won’t help, progress must be our focus
… Assures Niger Delta of accelerated development through NDDC,
… Backs Ogbia’s requests on infrastructure
… Pledges decisive victory over terrorism, banditry as economy turns the corner
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday charged leaders and people of the Niger Delta to look beyond the region’s years of neglect and work constructively with his administration to accelerate development, assuring them that his government is committed to delivering lasting progress and defeating terrorism and other security threats across the country.
The President spoke while hosting leaders of the Ogbia Kingdom in Bayelsa State at the State House, Abuja, where he acknowledged the historical marginalisation of the oil-producing region but stressed that dwelling on the past would do little to change its fortunes.
Instead, he said, the focus must now be on collaboration, determination and measurable progress.
“We cannot excuse the neglect of the past, but living in the past will do us no good, except take it and run with it now, carefully,” Tinubu said, assuring the delegation that his administration would work closely with Niger Delta indigenes serving in government, particularly the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, to deepen development efforts in the region.
Describing the Niger Delta as “the goose that lays the golden egg,” the President admitted that successive administrations had failed to adequately cater for the area, but said the opportunity now exists to correct those shortcomings.
He praised Dr Ogbuku as “a transformative, committed and highly focused” public servant whose passion for national service has helped refocus attention on the development needs of the Niger Delta.
“Your son, Dr Ogbuku, the MD of the NDDC, is a transformative, committed, highly focused MD. His commitment to duty and love for the nation are noticed by all, including myself,” Tinubu said.
He assured the delegation that infrastructure projects across the region, including roads, street lighting and other community-level interventions, would be sustained.
“You mentioned the street lights, the roads, the infrastructure development. We will continue with that, and we won’t let you down,” he said, commending the people of the Niger Delta for their contributions to Nigeria’s development in both human and material resources, as well as their commitment to peace.
The President said his administration is already witnessing tangible impacts of ongoing Niger Delta programmes, particularly in expanding economic activities through solar lighting and other initiatives that have extended business hours and improved livelihoods in previously underserved communities.
“When we watch Niger Delta programmes, I see market women and traders enjoying solar light at night in places where before, communities went to sleep by 6:30 or 7pm. That has changed,” he said, adding that such interventions align with his broader goal of ensuring that ordinary Nigerians feel the benefits of economic recovery.
Tinubu noted that the national economy, which he said was in a dire state when his administration took office, has now “turned the corner for good,” stressing that the priority is to translate macroeconomic improvements into real gains for people at the grassroots.
Responding to specific requests from the Ogbia leaders, the President assured them that issues such as erosion control, bridge construction and other infrastructure critical to economic growth would be addressed.
He also pledged support for educational and historical initiatives, including plans to immortalise Oloibiri as the site of Nigeria’s first oil discovery through the establishment of a dedicated institute.
“We will look into the erosion and tame it. On the bridge, that is infrastructure that promotes economy and progress. We’ll see to that and other areas of collaboration,” he said, adding that he would continue to work closely with Dr Ogbuku and relevant legislators to advance the region’s development agenda.
Tinubu also paid tribute to former President Goodluck Jonathan, describing him as “a good leader and a good son of Nigeria,” and pledged to continue honouring his commitment to democratic values, justice and fairness.
On national security, the President assured the delegation that his administration remains resolute in confronting terrorism, banditry and other forms of insecurity threatening parts of the country.
He said security forces are making steady progress despite the challenges.
“No matter how long, success is being achieved. We are prosecuting them, arresting them and neutralising some of them, and we will continue to do that. Men and women of the armed forces are fighting very hard to bring peace and stability to the country, and I can guarantee you we will win over terrorism”, Tinubu said.
He concluded by reaffirming his commitment to the concerns raised by the Ogbia leaders and expressed confidence that sustained cooperation would help unlock the Niger Delta’s full potential and strengthen national stability.
By Gift ChapiOdekina
Abuja -The House of Representatives, yesterday, moved closer to overhauling Nigeria’s electoral framework, by approving and amending key clauses of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill aimed at strengthening the powers of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, tightening electoral procedures and addressing gaps exposed during recent elections.
The bill was considered clause-by-clause at plenary, with lawmakers adopting several provisions designed to enhance transparency, improve the conduct of elections and reduce post-election disputes.
Clauses 3, 5 and 6, which deal with preliminary provisions and key interpretations under the Act, were approved to align existing definitions with current electoral practices.
The House also adopted Clauses 10 and 12, reinforcing INEC’s authority over the organisation, supervision and management of elections, including logistics and deployment of electoral personnel.
The lawmakers approved Clauses 18 and 22 on voter registration and the compilation, maintenance and display of the voters’ register, with amendments intended to curb manipulation and ensure greater inclusion of eligible voters.
Significant amendments were made to Clauses 23 and 29, which relate to the nomination of candidates by political parties and the submission of candidates’ lists to INEC. The changes seek to clarify timelines, strengthen compliance and enhance INEC’s oversight of political parties.
Clauses 31, 32 and 34, bordering on party primaries, publication of candidates’ particulars and qualifications for elective offices, were also approved, as part of efforts to address pre-election irregularities.
Further approvals were recorded for Clauses 47, 50 and 54, which touch on voting procedures, voter accreditation and the use of technology in elections, reaffirming the legal backing for INEC’s deployment of electronic systems.
Clause 60, as amended, addresses the declaration of results, while Clause 62 strengthens provisions on the collation, transmission and custody of results to reduce disputes arising from election outcomes.
The House also adopted Clauses 64 and 65 on electoral offences and penalties, signaling a tougher stance against malpractice, including vote-buying and other violations of the law.
Clauses 71 and 73, dealing with election petitions and timelines for the resolution of disputes, were approved, while Clause 74 was adopted with amendments to further streamline post-election legal processes.
The post Reps amend Electoral Act, strengthen INEC powers, defer contentious clause appeared first on Vanguard News.
The Food and Beverage Recycling Alliance (FBRA) has once again demonstrated its leadership in advancing Nigeria’s circular economy with the successful completion of the 2025 Christmas Buyback Program in Somolu Local Government.
The event recorded strong community participation, significant recovery of post-consumer packaging waste, and heightened public awareness of responsible disposal.
The exercise, which was held at 20 Anifowoshe Street, Somolu, brought together over 240 residents, including youth groups, women, artisans, and local business owners.
Dignitaries and institutional stakeholders were also present, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Climate Change and Circular Economy, Mrs. Titilayo Oshodi, representatives of the Federal Ministry of Environment, NESREA, LAWMA, the Department of Environment, Somolu Local Government and Community Development Council, FBRA member companies, and volunteers.
Following the formal welcome and stakeholder remarks, FBRA led attendees on a one-hour environmental awareness walk, engaging members of the community and sensitising households on the economic and environmental value of recycling.
By the close of the buyback session, FBRA had collected an impressive 1.8 metric tons of recyclable waste, including PET bottles, glass bottles, aluminium cans, used beverage cartons, and other post-consumer packaging materials.
These materials will be processed through Trashusers, FBRA’s collection partner for the exercise, ensuring they are channelled back into productive use within the circular economy rather than ending up in landfills or drainage systems.
The Somolu Christmas Buyback underscores FBRA’s commitment to supporting member companies in fulfilling their Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandate, as highlighted by the Executive Director, Agharese Lucia Onaghise.
Through sustained grassroots engagement and community-driven initiatives, FBRA continues to champion responsible waste management practices and strengthen national recycling systems.
FBRA expressed appreciation to Somolu Local Government, community leaders, partners, and residents for their cooperation and enthusiasm, affirming its commitment to expanding environmental impact across more communities in Lagos and beyond.
Burkina Faso has released 11 personnel of the Nigerian Air Force nine days after their detention, following what Nigerian officials described as intensive diplomatic engagements between Abuja and Ouagadougou.
The airmen, comprising pilots and crew members of the Nigerian Air Force, were freed shortly after a high-level Nigerian delegation led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, concluded talks with Burkinabè authorities in the capital.
The development was confirmed by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, as the release followed “sustained diplomatic engagement and dialogue at the highest levels.”
According to a statement sighted on X, the engagements included a meeting with Burkina Faso’s leader, Ibrahim Traoré, during which Nigeria pressed for the immediate release of its detained personnel.
Speaking after the breakthrough, Tuggar said the outcome underscored the importance Nigeria places on diplomacy and regional cooperation. “We engaged our brothers in Burkina Faso frankly and constructively, and we are pleased that our personnel have now been released,” he said, noting that Nigeria remained committed to resolving misunderstandings through dialogue.
The statement also clearly explained the circumstances surrounding the flight and assured the Burkinabè authorities of Nigeria’s respect for their sovereignty,” adding that the matter was handled “in a spirit of African solidarity.
Burkinabè officials, in turn, acknowledged the discussions and agreed that continued cooperation between Nigeria and Burkina Faso was essential, particularly as both countries confront shared security challenges in the Sahel.
The released air force personnel are expected to return to Nigeria after routine administrative procedures, while diplomatic sources said both sides agreed to strengthen communication channels to prevent similar incidents in the future.
ALSO READ: Reps probe detained military personnel, aircraft in Burkina Faso
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will on Friday present the 2026 Appropriation Bill before a joint session of the National Assembly.
Naija News reports that this was disclosed in a statement on Wednesday by the Secretary, Human Resources and Staff Development, Essien Eyo Essien, for the Clerk to the National Assembly, CNA, Kamoru Ogunlana.
The statement read, “I am directed to inform you that the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is presenting the 2026 proposed Budget to the Joint Session of the National Assembly at 2:00 pm, on Friday, 19th December, 2025.
“Consequently, all accredited persons must endeavour to be at their duty posts by 11:00 am, otherwise they would not be allowed access into the Complex for security reasons. Non-accredited persons should stay away from the National Assembly on that day.
“Except for the CNA, DCNA, CS, CHR and their Deputies, every other Member of Staff is required to park his/her vehicle at available spaces at the Annex or the new car park by NASS Gate.
“Please, ensure compliance by all those concerned.”
NIGERIA NEWS
Group sues Tinubu, others over Dangote’s corruption allegations against MDPRA chief executive
A civil society group, Rights for All International (RAI), has sued President Bola Tinubu to force him to suspend Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), over allegations of corruption and living beyond his legitimate means.
The group filed the suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday, calling for the investigation and prosecution of Mr Ahmed.
PREMIUM TIMES got wind of the suit after news later broke on Wednesday that Mr Ahmed and Gbenga Komolafe, the chief executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), resigned their positions.
President Tinubu has also named their replacements.
The suit followed recent allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against Mr Ahmed by Aliko Dangote, president and chief executive of Dangote Industries Limited.
Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group
Speaking at a press conference at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, on Sunday, Mr Dangote accused Mr Ahmed of economic sabotage, which he said was undermining domestic refining in Nigeria.
He accused the leadership of the NMDPRA of colluding with international traders and oil importers to frustrate local refining through the continued issuance of import licences for petroleum products.
Mr Dangote claimed that Mr Ahmed was living beyond his legitimate means, stating that four of his children attend secondary schools in Switzerland at a cost running into several million dollars. He said such expenditure raised serious questions about potential conflict of interest and the integrity of regulatory oversight in the downstream petroleum sector.
On Monday, he expanded his allegations, accusing Mr Ahmed of corruption and misappropriation of public funds, providing detailed figures for his children’s education abroad.
According to him, Mr Ahmed spent about $5 million on secondary education and upkeep over six years, and an additional $2 million on tertiary education, including $210,000 for Faisal Farouk’s 2025 Harvard MBA.
Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Farouk Ahmed
On Tuesday, Mr Dangote submitted a petition through his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), calling for Mr Ahmed’s arrest, investigation, and prosecution for allegedly living above his means as a public officer. ICPC promptly confirmed the receipt of the petition and vowed to investigate the allegations.
Meanwhile, earlier on Wednesday, Mr Ahmed denied the allegations. He said he was thankful that the person behind the allegations had taken it to a formal investigative institution, adding that he believed that would provide an opportunity to dispassionately distil the issues and clear his name.
RAI’s suit
Buoyed by Mr Dangote ‘s allegations, RAI on Wednesday, filed its suit seeking among others, a declaration that Mr Ahmed allegedly acted corruptly, accepted kickbacks, and operated foreign accounts to fund his children’s education beyond his lawful earnings.
The suit filed by the group’s lawyer, Okere Nnamdi, also sought an order compelling President Tinubu to suspend Mr Ahmed immediately.
Alongside Mr Tinubu, others joined as defendants in the suit include the Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi; Mr Ahmed himself, the NMDPRA, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB).
The group asked the court to compel the ICPC, EFCC, and the CCB to investigate and prosecute Mr Ahmed without delay for alleged offences, including breach of the public officers’ code of conduct, bribery, and money laundering.
Additionally, the group requested an order of mandamus directing all relevant agencies to act quickly to investigate and hold Mr Ahmed accountable. It also urged the court to issue any other orders it deems appropriate to safeguard public interest and uphold transparency, accountability, and good governance.
The plaintiff relied on Paragraphs 1, 6, and 8 of the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 of the Nigerian constitution and raised the question for the court to determine if Mr Ahmed had not lived beyond his legitimate earnings as a public officer.
It maintained that Mr Ahmed placed his personal interests above his official duties by allegedly accepting cash and in-kind benefits, described as “kickbacks,” from petroleum importers while issuing import licences.
The group also cited Paragraph 3 of the Fifth Schedule, Part 1 of the 1999 Constitution,” in urging the court to determine the question if Mr Ahmed had not “corruptly operated and maintained foreign bank account(s)” to pay his children’s school fees abroad while serving in various public roles, and whether he has, by doing so, violated the code of conduct for public officers.
READ ALSO: NMDPRA’s CEO disowns ‘response’ to Dangote allegations, clarifies position
The group also asked the court to determine whether Mr Ahmed as a public officer for several years, “can afford to pay his children foreign school fees amounting to over seven million US dollars” from his legitimate earnings, and whether he “corruptly enriched himself with taxpayers’ money” while using his position for personal gain.
RAI also asked whether the court does not have the power to direct anti-corruption agencies to investigate and prosecute Mr Ahmed for alleged bribery, corruption, and money laundering.
‘Suit in public interest’
In an affidavit filed sworn by lawyer Samuel Ekeji Ifeanyi and filed in support of the suit ssaid the case is of public interest. It added that it aims to promote the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and good governance. It also said it instituted the suit in public interest.
The document added that Nigerians continue to suffer the effects of the fuel subsidy removal, which it described as “primarily removed because of corruption that marred the subsidy sags.”
The affidavit referred to the petition by Mr Dangote to the ICPC, in which he claimed that Mr Ahmed is living above his legitimate earnings as a public officer. He said Mr Ahmed “paid his children’s school fees abroad, worth over $7 million, using public funds and money obtained through corrupt practices in issuing petroleum import licences.”
It argued that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian prohibits corruption and called on President Tinubu to immediately suspend Mr Farouk pending investigation and prosecution.
The suit has not been assigned to a judge or scheduled for hearing.
NIGERIA NEWS
Watch video as Nigerian lady recounts how she forgot her international passport on day of relocation
A video making the rounds on social media has captured the moment a Nigerian lady recounted her ordeal after forgetting her passport during a trip.
SOURCE PAGE
NIGERIA NEWS
“Your name go be sorry”- Banker shares warning message from customer ahead of 2026 tax reform
A Nigerian male banker has shared a warning message received from a customer ahead of the 2026 tax reform.
It’s worth noting that the tax reform is set to kick in on January 1 2026.
The law introduces a zero‑percent band for the first ₦800,000 of personal income, which means most people earning up to about ₦100,000 a month won’t pay PAYE .
Details Of The Message
The screenshot shared by the banker, identified on TikTok as @ikenga,showed the customer’s warning to bank staff ahead of the tax reform.
According to the viral chat, the customer, whose identity was not disclosed explained what would happen to the banker, if the new tax reform affected his account.
The warning message reads below……
Good evening Mr Ikenga, I hope this new I’m hearing about this tax won’t affect my account.
If I find one naira from my account eh, your name go be sorry. No even try near estate gate that whole week. Thank you.
Meanwhile, the post’s comment section has been flooded with TikTok users sharing their thoughts and opinions.
Reactions Traiing Below….
@heissamiey, “He don warn you like that , you go think say Na play 😂
@Dammysola & Mum, “You better no let it reach his account😂”.
@Better_in_Data👩💻🤖: “I support your customer no sha near Estate gate😂😂.😂😂
See below……
Burkina Faso has released 11 Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and crew members nine days after their detention in the West African country.
The release followed high-level diplomatic intervention by the federal government of Nigeria.
The pilots were freed shortly after a Nigerian delegation led by the minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, =concluded engagements with Burkinabè authorities in Ouagadougou.
The delegation also held talks with President Ibrahim Traoré of Burkina Faso.
Senior officials from the ministries of foreign affairs and defence, as well as the NAF headquarters, were part of the delegation.
The delegation was mandated to pursue a peaceful and constructive resolution of the matter through dialogue.
A senior official familiar with the mission said the engagement aimed to foster mutual understanding, de-escalate tensions and secure the release of the detained personnel.
“The mission points to Nigeria’s preference for diplomacy and neighbourly engagement. It was a confidence-building visit designed to strengthen trust and reaffirm shared responsibilities in addressing the complex security challenges confronting the Sahel,” the official stated.
The source said the delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation and adherence to international aviation and military protocols.
According to the official, Nigeria also conveyed its commitment to regional security collaboration, dialogue and respect for international norms.
The source noted the long-standing history of cooperation between Nigeria, Burkina Faso and other members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).