The Federal Government has dismissed claims circulating on social media that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed the recent failed coup attempt in the Republic of Niger.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, in a statement issued on Thursday in Abuja, described the claims as false, mischievous and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria remained a peace-loving nation and a strong defender of constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and across Africa.
He stressed that Nigeria “did not and will never” support any military coup or unconstitutional change of government, regardless of the country or individuals involved.
The Minister recalled Nigeria’s official position contained in Press Statement No. MFA/PR/2026/220, issued on August 30, 2026, in which the Federal Government expressed deep concern over the situation in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
According to him, Nigeria views any unconstitutional change of government with deep concern and considers the use of force to resolve political differences contrary to its longstanding foreign policy objectives.
“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.
The Minister further rejected suggestions that Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS amounted to an endorsement of the military coup in Niger.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals allegedly seeking to sow discord and create confusion about Nigeria’s position.
Enikanolaiye reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance as well as the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.
He said 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.
