The Federal Government has denied allegations that Nigeria supported the recent failed military coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the claims as false, mischievous and aimed at tarnishing the country’s image.
The government made its position known in a statement personally signed by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on Thursday.
Enikanolaiye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken note of social media reports alleging that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed the attempted coup and, by implication, that Nigeria endorsed the action.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” he said.
The minister stressed that Nigeria remained a peace-loving nation committed to constitutional governance, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and across Africa.
He said Nigeria would never support illegality or any unconstitutional change of government, irrespective of the individuals or country involved.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Nigeria was made clear in our official Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026,” Enikanolaiye stated.
He recalled that the statement expressed Nigeria’s deep concern over developments in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country.
“Nigeria views with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government. As a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desires only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel,” he said.
Enikanolaiye added that resorting to force to resolve political differences was contrary to Nigeria’s longstanding foreign policy and its commitment to peace and stability in the region.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to ECOWAS, the minister described claims that the country endorsed or condoned the attempted military takeover as “unfair, mischievous and entirely false.”
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating on social media which, he said, were intended to sow discord.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government,” Enikanolaiye said.
He assured that Nigeria would continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across West Africa and the Sahel.
