President Nana Akufo-Addo says Abba Kyari will be missed by all who knew him after the Nigerian politician died from Covid-19 on Friday.

Kyari served as the Chief of Staff for Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari until his death on April 17.

“The Presidency regrets to announce the passage of the Chief of Staff to the President, Mallam Abba Kyari,” said presidency spokesman Garba Shehu in a tweet.

The Nigerian people have lost a courteous and dignified public official, and he will be missed by all of us who had the privilege of knowing him. May his soul rest in perfect peace. 2/2

— Nana Akufo-Addo (@NAkufoAddo) April 18, 2020

Reacting to the news, Akufo-Addo said: “The Nigerian people have lost a courteous and dignified public official… May his soul rest in perfect peace.”

“I send my deep sympathies and condolences to @MBuhari on the death of Abba Kyari, his Chief of Staff and trusted aide,” he wrote.

On March 24, it was reported that the deceased tested positive for the novel coronavirus after he visited Germany and Egypt for a meeting.

Local media reports that Kyari’s death is the highest profile death due to the disease in the West African country.

As of Friday, the Federal Ministry of Health of Nigeria reported a total of 493 confirmed cases of Covid-19 with 17 fatalities.

159 persons have been treated and discharged, health officials said.