Nigeria Denies ECOWAS Support for Niger Coup Attempt

The Federal Government of Nigeria has disavowed claims that the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic. Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, described these claims as “baseless” and “irresponsible,” asserting they were intended to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s reputation.

Enikanolaiye stated that Nigeria has never endorsed the military coup in Niger and remains opposed to any unconstitutional changes of government. He reiterated Nigeria's commitment to peace, democracy, and stability in West Africa, referencing a prior statement from August 30 that expressed concern over Niger's situation.

Enikanolaiye emphasized Nigeria's historical ties with Niger and rejected the notion that Nigeria's ECOWAS membership equates to support for the coup. He urged Nigerians to disregard misleading narratives circulating online and reaffirmed Nigeria's adherence to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, as well as the African Union's stance against unconstitutional changes.