THE Federal Government has denied endorsing the failed coup attempt in the Niger Republic, dismissing claims that the action had the backing of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and, by implication, Nigeria.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, made the clarification in a statement issued and personally signed by him on Thursday, describing the claims circulating on social media as an attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.
Enikanolaiye said the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been drawn to a series of false and mischievous claims suggesting that the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic had the backing of ECOWAS and, by insinuation, the endorsement of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“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,” the statement read.
The minister described Nigeria as 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,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the position of Nigeria was made clear in our official Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of 30 August 2026, where the Government of Nigeria expressed deep concern over the situation in the Republic of Niger and urged a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country,” the statement read.
The minister said Nigeria viewed with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government, stressing that, as a sisterly neighbour bound by close historical, fraternal and cultural ties, Nigeria desired only peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel.
“As was stated in the Press Statement under reference, any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy,” he said.
Enikanolaiye stressed that while Nigeria remained a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it was unfair, mischievous and entirely false to suggest that the country endorsed or condoned the military coup.
“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 statement added.
The minister urged the Nigerian public, both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord.
“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,” the statement added.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional change 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 added.