Nigeria, March 11 -- President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the death of a former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Dubem Onyia.

Mr Onyia, 73, died on Monday in Abuja after a brief illness, the family announced on Tuesday.

In a statement on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu described the former minister "as a brilliant administrator, accountant and respected political leader."

The president lauded Mr Onyia's rich record of service and commitment to nation-building.

He said the former minister was "a statesman and patriot" who made contributions to Nigeria's political development.

"President Tinubu commiserates with the government and people of Enugu State, particularly the Ngwo Community, on the pass...