By Oge Okonkwo
Nigeria has rejected claims that it supported or endorsed
the failed coup attempt in neighbouring Niger Republic, warning that the
allegations are false and intended to damage the country’s reputation.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb Sola Enikanolaye,
made the clarification in a statement issued on Thursday, following claims
circulating widely on social media.
The minister said the reports falsely suggested that the
Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and by implication Nigeria,
had backed the attempted military takeover.
Enikanolaye described the claims as baseless and
mischievous, urging Nigerians at home and abroad to ignore videos and
narratives being circulated online to create division.
He said Nigeria remained committed to constitutional
government and would not support any attempt to seize power through
unconstitutional means, regardless of the country or those involved.
The minister said Nigeria’s position on the situation had
already been clearly stated in its official press statement, MFA/PR/2026/220,
issued on 30 August 2026.
In that statement, Nigeria expressed deep concern about
developments in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory
path towards stability and constitutional order in the country.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional
change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is
concerned,” Enikanolaye said.
He stressed that Nigeria regarded any unconstitutional
change of government with serious concern, particularly given its close
historical, cultural and fraternal ties with Niger.
According to him, Nigeria wants to see peace, security,
democracy and development take root not only in Niger but across the wider West
African and Sahel regions.
The minister also rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s
membership of ECOWAS meant it supported military intervention in Niger.
He said it was “unfair, mischievous and entirely false” to claim
that Nigeria endorsed or condoned a military coup, stressing that Abuja’s
position remained firmly against unconstitutional changes of government.
Enikanolaye said any attempt to resolve political
disagreements through force was inconsistent with Nigeria’s long-standing
foreign policy and its commitment to democratic principles.
He added that Nigeria remained firmly committed to the
ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African
Union’s policy of zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government.
The minister said Nigeria would continue working with
ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend
democracy, uphold the rule of law and promote lasting peace and stability
across the region.
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