The federal government has reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Liberia, anchored in pan-African solidarity and mutual prosperity.

Nigeria’s minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known in a statement issued on Sunday by his special assistant on media and communications strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.

The statement was released during Liberia’s 178th Independence Day celebrations in Monrovia.

Mr Tuggar, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the event, joined other dignitaries and heads of delegation from across Africa in honouring Liberia’s long-standing pursuit of self-determination and democratic governance.

Delivering a message on behalf of Mr Tinubu, Mr Tuggar lauded Liberia’s historic journey of freedom and resilience, describing the country as a testament to African agency and determination.

According to him, Nigeria and Liberia, two of Africa’s earliest sovereign nations, share a legacy of leadership in regional integration, democratic values, and continental unity.

“On this momentous occasion, I convey warm greetings and felicitations from President Bola Tinubu and the people of Nigeria.

“President Tinubu reiterates Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to partnering with Liberia through the ECOWAS framework to promote peace, economic cooperation, and collective security that benefit all citizens of our respective nations,” Mr Tuggar said.

Recalling Nigeria’s role during Liberia’s civil war, the minister highlighted Nigeria’s intervention through the ECOWAS Monitoring Group (ECOMOG), describing it as an act of brotherhood.

“In Liberia’s darkest hours, when the drums of war drowned out the voices of reason, Nigeria answered the call of brotherhood.

“ECOMOG was more than a peacekeeping operation, it was an act of love by Nigeria for a sister nation.

“Many of our finest never returned home, their lives given so that Liberia might live.

“Today, as we see the fruits of peace, children in schools, farmers in fields, entrepreneurs in markets, we honour their sacrifice,” he said.

Mr Tuggar emphasised the enduring bond between both nations: “Liberia and Nigeria are more than neighbours; we are family.

“The challenges ahead, climate change, economic inequality, global instability, are daunting, but they are no match for the power of a united Africa.”

Themed “One People, One Destiny: Healing the Past and Building the Future,” the celebration reflected on Liberia’s historical journey and emphasised the need for reconciliation, introspection, and national unity.

Liberia’s potential to rebuild a peaceful and prosperous nation, rich in human and natural resources, was also underscored during the commemorations.

Nigeria received a special recognition from President Joseph Boakai for its decisive contribution to the ECOMOG mission, particularly for deploying troops and resources that helped end Liberia’s civil war and secured humanitarian corridors during the conflict.

(NAN)