By Gloria Ikibah
The Federal Government has rejected claims that Nigeria or the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) backed the recent failed coup attempt in Niger Republic, describing the reports circulating on social media as false and mischievous.
The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Amb. Sola Enikanolaiye, said Nigeria “did not and will never support any military coup or unconstitutional change of government”, insisting that the country remained committed to democracy and constitutional order. 
In a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday, Enikanolaiye said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had taken note of social media claims suggesting that the failed coup attempt in Niger had the backing of ECOWAS and, by implication, Nigeria.
He said, “The Federal Government of Nigeria categorically rejects these claims as baseless, irresponsible, and a deliberate attempt to misinform the public and tarnish Nigeria’s image.”
According to the minister, Nigeria remained a peace-loving country and a strong defender of constitutional government in West Africa, the Sahel and across Africa.
“Nigeria will never support illegality or unconstitutional change of government anywhere, no matter who is involved or which country is concerned,” he said.
Enikanolaiye referred to the Ministry’s Press Statement No: MFA/PR/2026/220 of August 30, 2026, saying Nigeria had already made its position on the situation in Niger clear.
He said 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.
“Nigeria views with deep concern any unconstitutional change of government,” the minister said.
He stressed that Nigeria’s position was also informed by its close historical, fraternal and cultural ties with Niger.
Enikanolaiye added that the use of force to resolve political disagreements was inconsistent with Nigeria’s 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.
“As was stated in the Press Statement under reference, any resort to force to settle political differences is contrary to this objective and to Nigeria’s long-standing foreign policy”, he said.
While reaffirming Nigeria’s membership of ECOWAS, the minister dismissed suggestions that the country supported the military takeover.
He urged Nigerians at home and abroad to ignore videos and narratives circulating online
“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.
which, he said, were intended to create division.
“We urge the Nigerian public, both at home and abroad, to disregard the videos and narratives being circulated online by individuals seeking to sow discord”, he stated.
The minister reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and the African Union’s position against unconstitutional changes of government.
“Nigeria remains firmly committed to the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance and to the African Union’s zero tolerance for unconstitutional changes of government”, Enikanolaiye stressed.
He said Nigeria will continue to work with ECOWAS, the African Union and the international community to defend democratic governance, uphold the rule of law and promote peace and stability in the region.
