ABUJA — Nigeria has rejected claims that it backed or endorsed the reported failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, saying it will never support a military takeover or any unconstitutional change of government.
The Federal Government described the claims circulating on social media as “baseless” and “irresponsible”, saying they were intended to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.
The position was contained in a statement issued and signed on Thursday by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in Abuja.
The minister said the government was responding to narratives suggesting that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the reported coup attempt and, by implication, that Nigeria endorsed it.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” Enikanolaiye said.
He said Nigeria remained committed to constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and the wider African continent.
The minister pointed to an earlier Foreign Ministry statement issued on August 30, saying it had already made Nigeria’s position on the situation in Niger clear.
According to him, Nigeria had expressed 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’s position, he added, reflects its longstanding foreign policy against the use of force to resolve political disputes.
“As was stated in the Press Statement under reference, any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy,” he said.
The Federal Government said Nigeria’s relationship with Niger was shaped by close historical, cultural and fraternal ties, adding that its interest was to see peace, security, democracy and development in Niger, the wider West African sub-region and the Sahel.
Enikanolaiye also rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS meant it supported or condoned military rule in Niger.
“While Nigeria is a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup,” he said.
The minister urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online that seek to associate Nigeria with support for unconstitutional changes of government.
Nigeria, he said, remained firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government.
The government also reaffirmed its intention to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend democratic governance, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability across the region.
The latest statement comes against the backdrop of continuing political and security tensions in Niger, where the military seized power in 2023 following the overthrow of President Mohamed Bazoum.
Nigeria has maintained that constitutional order and regional stability remain central to its approach to developments in the Sahel.
