The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaye, made this known in a statement issued on Thursday, describing the reports circulating on social media as false and deliberately intended to mislead the public.
According to the minister, Nigeria had no involvement in or support for any attempt to change the government of Niger through unconstitutional means.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image,” Enikanolaye said.
He described Nigeria as a country committed to peace, constitutional governance and democratic stability, stressing that its position remained opposed to unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” he stated.
Enikanolaye referred to an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026, in which Nigeria expressed concern over developments in Niger and called for a peaceful and inclusive return to stability and constitutional order.
The minister said Nigeria’s position was consistent with its foreign policy and its commitment to democratic governance in the region.
“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,” he said.
He stressed that the use of force to resolve political disagreements was inconsistent with Nigeria’s position, adding that the country’s membership of ECOWAS should not be interpreted as support for military intervention.
“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,” the minister said.
He urged Nigerians to disregard videos and other materials circulating online which claimed that Nigeria or ECOWAS backed the failed coup attempt.
“We urge the Nigerian public, both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord,” he added.
Enikanolaye said Nigeria remained committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as well as the African Union’s policy of rejecting unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the AU and the international community to defend democracy, uphold the rule of law, and promote peace and stability across our region,” he stated.
