President Bola Tinubu has conveyed Nigeria’s condolences to the leader of Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tiani, following the death of his father, Tiani Hassane.

The elder Tiani died on Thursday, November 5, at the age of 110.

In a condolence message signed on Saturday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the loss of a father as a profound and deeply personal grief.

The President urged the Nigerien leader to find comfort in his father’s long life and the positive influence he had on those around him.

He also expressed hope that Tiani would draw strength from the values of faith, honour and integrity his father left behind.

Tinubu said Nigeria stood in solidarity with Tiani, his family and the government and people of Niger Republic during the period of mourning.

He further prayed that Almighty Allah would grant the deceased Al-Jannah Firdaus and comfort his bereaved family.

The condolence message comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Niger following the July 2023 military coup that brought Tiani to power after the overthrow of elected President Mohamed Bazoum.

Nigeria, under Tinubu’s leadership as then chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), spearheaded regional pressure on the military authorities to restore civilian rule, including the threat of military intervention.

The disagreement contributed to tensions between both countries, while Niger subsequently joined Burkina Faso and Mali in withdrawing from ECOWAS to establish the Alliance of Sahel States.