The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.

In a statement issued by the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr Omar Alieu Touray, on July 13, described the former Nigerian president as a statesman whose legacy will endure in the annals of African democracy and regional unity.

The regional body extended heartfelt condolences to the late President’s family, the current Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government, and the people of Nigeria.

“ECOWAS salutes the memory of this distinguished statesman whose invaluable contributions greatly advanced democracy and regional integration in West Africa and across the African continent,” part of the statement read.

General Buhari, who served as Nigeria’s Head of State in the 1980s and later as a two-term democratically elected President from 2015 to 2023, was a central figure in Nigeria’s political transition and a key voice in Africa’s security and anti-corruption efforts.

ECOWAS paid glowing tribute to Buhari’s pivotal role in championing democratic norms, promoting good governance, and strengthening the bloc’s shared vision for peace and development.