The Federal government of Nigeria has reacted to the pronouncement of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso leaving the ECOWAS regional bloc.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Francisca Omayuli, says Nigeria is saddened by the decision of the three countries stating that her doors are open for discussion.
The statement adds that Nigeria has worked sincerely and in good faith to reach out to all members of the ECOWAS family to resolve the difficulties being faced by the three Nations.
The Foreign affairs says the military leaders in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso are trying to deny their people the sovereign right to make fundamental choices over their freedom of movement, freedom to trade and freedom to choose their own leaders.
Nigeria therefore stands with ECOWAS to emphasize due process and shared commitment to protect and strengthen the rights and welfare of all citizens of Member States.
