Nigeria government speaks on ‘backing failed Niger coup’

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 Niger Republic.

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, described the claims as baseless, irresponsible and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and damage Nigeria’s image.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria had never supported and would never support military coups or any form of unconstitutional change of government.

Nigeria’s position on military coups

The minister stressed that Nigeria remained committed to constitutional order, democracy and stability in West Africa, the Sahel and the African continent.

He said Nigeria’s position on the situation in Niger had already been made clear in an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026.

According to him, the Federal Government had expressed deep concern over developments in Niger and called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order in the neighbouring country.

Enikanolaiye said Nigeria, as a close neighbour of Niger with strong historical, fraternal and cultural ties, desired peace, security, democracy and development for Niger, the sub-region and the Sahel.

Nigeria rejects allegations

The minister said Nigeria would never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government, regardless of the country or individuals involved.

He stressed that although Nigeria remained a proud and committed member of ECOWAS, it was false and mischievous to suggest that the country endorsed or condoned the military coup.

Enikanolaiye urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating online which he said were designed to sow discord and mislead the public.

He 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 added 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.