By Asiwaju Adekunle Saheed
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, has issued a strong rebuttal to claims circulating on social media that Nigeria, through ECOWAS, backed the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger, describing the allegations as false and mischievous.
In a press statement numbered MFA/PR/2026/223, the Ministry said the Federal Government categorically rejects the claims as baseless and irresponsible, calling them a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.
The statement described Nigeria as a peace loving nation and a defender of constitutional order, positioning the country as a pillar of democracy and stability not only in West Africa but across the Sahel and the wider African continent.
The Ministry reiterated that Nigeria would never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, regardless of who is involved or which country is concerned, referencing an earlier statement issued on August 30, 2026, in which the government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to constitutional order.
It stressed that any resort to force to settle political differences runs contrary to Nigeria’s long standing foreign policy, and insisted that while Nigeria remains a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it is entirely false to suggest the country endorses or condones the military coup in Niger.
The Ministry urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online from individuals seeking to sow discord, affirming the country’s continued commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s zero tolerance policy on unconstitutional changes of government.
The statement, signed by Honourable Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, on September 3, 2026, closed by reaffirming Nigeria’s readiness to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the wider international community to defend democracy and promote peace and stability across the region.
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