The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly dismissed claims that it is working with France to undermine the Niger Republic.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a strong rebuttal on Thursday, labeling the accusations by Niger’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, as baseless and purely fictional.
“These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination,” Idris stated. “Nigeria has never engaged in any alliance, overt or covert, with France—or any other country—to destabilize Niger Republic.”
Idris emphasized that President Bola Tinubu, as Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has consistently adopted a diplomatic approach to address the crisis in Niger.
Following the military coup that disrupted the country’s democratic governance, Tinubu has maintained an open-door policy to re-engage Niger and foster peace and stability in the region.
Highlighting Nigeria’s dedication to regional security, Idris pointed to the country’s significant contributions through collaborations with the Multinational Joint Task Force, aimed at curbing terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin and beyond.
READ ALSO: South Korea Opposition Plans to Impeach Acting President, Han Duck-soo
“It is absurd to suggest that Nigeria would conspire to undermine the peace and security of its neighbor,” Idris remarked. He further dismissed allegations that Nigeria had ceded parts of its territory to foreign powers or collaborated with France to establish terrorist bases in Sokoto State.
The minister categorically denied claims of a so-called “Lakurawa terrorist headquarters” in Sokoto State, calling them baseless and unsupported by facts. He highlighted recent military efforts, such as Operation Forest Sanity III, which targeted security threats in the region, as evidence of Nigeria’s proactive role in ensuring stability.
Idris also refuted accusations that Nigeria was sabotaging Niger’s pipelines and agriculture. Instead, he highlighted Nigeria’s active role in promoting Niger’s economic development. Key initiatives include:
READ ALSO: China Plans to Build World’s Largest Hydropower Dam on Tibetan Plateau
- The Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline, a major project aimed at boosting energy cooperation between Nigeria, Niger, and Algeria.
- The Kano-Maradi Railway Project, designed to enhance trade and connectivity between the two nations.
The minister dismissed General Tchiani’s allegations as an attempt to discredit Nigeria’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger. “Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s commitment to democracy is disingenuous and doomed to fail,” Idris said.
He challenged Tchiani to provide credible evidence to substantiate his claims, urging the public to disregard baseless accusations that serve only to distract from the real issues.
As Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria has long been a leader in regional diplomacy and security efforts. From fighting terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin to promoting economic cooperation across West Africa, the country has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering peace and development.
“Nigeria has dedicated significant resources and lives to ensure stability in the region,” Idris noted. He reiterated the government’s resolve to remain a force for good in West Africa, working alongside ECOWAS and international partners to uphold democracy and protect the rights of citizens.