The Federal Government, through the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has dismissed allegations by Niger Republic’s leader, Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming that Nigeria is collaborating with France to destabilize Niger. Ribadu clarified that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly economic and not military.
Speaking to BBC Hausa on Wednesday, Ribadu refuted the claims as baseless and emphasized the need for Nigeria and Niger to collaborate against common security threats such as Lakurawa, a group causing instability in both nations.
“The leaders of the military regime in Niger should understand that we, Nigeria, are not their problem. These terrorists, whom we are fighting, are our problem. We should confront them together,” Ribadu said. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to working with Niger as “brothers” for mutual development.
Pro-Democracy Group Rebukes Niger Junta
Meanwhile, the Democratic Front (TDF), a Nigerian pro-democracy group, accused General Tchiani of using Nigeria as a scapegoat to divert attention from his administration’s failures following the military coup that ousted Niger’s democratically elected government in July 2023.
“Tchiani’s allegations against Nigeria are spurious and reflect the traits of a desperate and sinking military dictator,” the TDF said in a statement signed by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo.
The group denounced claims that Nigeria was sabotaging the Trans-Saharan gas pipeline and disrupting agriculture in Niger, pointing out that the pipeline was a Nigerian initiative.
Nigeria’s Support for Niger
The TDF highlighted Nigeria’s numerous humanitarian gestures, including:
- Leading ECOWAS in lifting sanctions on Niger in February 2024.
- Restoring electricity supply to Niger and reopening borders for trade.
- Continuing the funding of the Kano-Maradi railway project, which benefits Niger.
The group also underscored Nigeria’s substantial contributions to regional peace and security, noting that President Bola Tinubu recently approved $53 million in ECOWAS community levies for 2023 and mid-2024, bringing Nigeria’s contributions over 16 years to $1.177 billion.
Call for Dismissal of Claims
TDF labeled Tchiani’s allegations as absurd and irresponsible, urging the international community to disregard them. “Nigeria is a sovereign country free to establish bilateral relations with any nation. Tchiani’s accusations merely attempt to mask his inability to deliver on his promises,” the group said.
The Federal Government and pro-democracy advocates maintain that Nigeria remains committed to regional stability and will not be distracted by baseless accusations.
