The Federal Government has denied allegations that Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) supported the recent failed Niger coup attempt.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sola Enikanolaiye, described the claims as baseless and irresponsible.
He said the allegations were also part of an attempt to misinform the public and damage Nigeria’s image.
In a statement issued Thursday, Enikanolaiye maintained that Nigeria had never supported military coups.
He added that the country would not support any unconstitutional change of government.
According to the minister, Nigeria remains committed to democracy, constitutional governance and stability across West Africa, the Sahel and Africa.
Enikanolaiye said the government had already stated its position on developments in Niger.
He referenced an earlier statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on August 30, 2026.
The statement expressed concern over developments in the neighbouring country.
It also called for a peaceful, inclusive and participatory return to stability and constitutional order.
The minister said Nigeria’s position was shaped by its close relationship with Niger.
He described both countries as having strong historical, fraternal and cultural ties.
According to him, Nigeria wants peace, security, democracy and development for Niger and the wider Sahel region.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned.
“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.”
Enikanolaiye urged Nigerians at home and abroad to disregard videos and narratives circulating across social media.
He said the materials were designed to sow discord and mislead members of the public.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.
He also cited the African Union’s zero-tolerance policy towards unconstitutional changes of government.
The Niger coup attempt allegations come against the backdrop of Nigeria’s broader engagement with regional efforts to protect constitutional governance.
Enikanolaiye said Nigeria would continue working with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community.
He said such cooperation would focus on defending democracy, upholding the rule of law and promoting peace and stability across the region.
The Federal Government’s position, he stressed, remained that military intervention and unconstitutional transfers of power should not be supported.
This version keeps the central allegation, Nigeria’s official denial, Enikanolaiye’s statements and the regional-democracy context clear without adding unsupported claims.
