The Nigerian government late Tuesday initiated further consultations with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and principal actors in Mali over developments in that country.

A foreign ministry spokesperson Ogbole Odeh disclosed this to reporters in Abuja following the visit of a three-man delegation of the Junta.

The delegation earlier received by the Foreign Affairs Ministry Olugbenga Ashiru started consultations on the return of constitutional order to Mali.

"Nigeria will continue to work in close collaboration with the leadership of ECOWAS, especially with President Alassane Outtara of Cote d' Ivoire, who currently chairs the bloc, and principal actors in Mali," the spokesperson added.

"President Jonathan has initiated further discussions with all stakeholders, he said.

According to him, Nigeria had made its position clear at the meeting, by opposing military takeover and had no intention of recognizing the junta in Bamako.

So far there are indications that constitutional order will be speedily restored in Mali, he said.

The delegation was led by Blonkoro Samake.

A military coup ousted Malian President Amadou Toumani Toure on March 21.