By Emameh Gabriel
The Federal Government has described as “baseless, irresponsible, and mischievous” media claims that Nigeria endorsed or backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
The rebuttal was contained in a press statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in which the government categorically rejected allegations circulating online that it, through its membership of the Economic Community of West African States, had any hand in the attempt unconstitutional change of government in the neighbouring country.
The statement, signed by the Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, reaffirmed Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to constitutional order and democratic governance across the continent.
“Nigeria is a peace-loving nation, a defender of constitutional order, and a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but also in the Sahel and the continent of Africa.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned”, the statement read.
The Ministry noted that its position had already been made clear in an earlier press statement on 30 August 2026, where the Government of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive, and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country.
“Nigeri 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”, the statement added.
The Foreign Ministry further clarified that any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy objectives.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s proud and committed membership of ECOWAS, the Ministry described as “unfair, mischievous and entirely false” any suggestion that Nigeria endorses or condones the military coup in Niger.
The statement urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking 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 change of government,” the statement concluded.
The Ministry 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 the region.
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