The National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, has clarified that the relationship between Nigeria and France is based solely on economic cooperation, dismissing allegations of military collaboration.
Ribadu made the statement during an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday, responding to claims by General Abdourahmane Tchiani, leader of Niger’s military junta, who accused Nigeria of allowing France to use its territory as a staging ground to destabilise Niger.
The NSA described the allegations as baseless and implausible, suggesting that they were an attempt to strain relations between Nigeria and France.
“Our relationship with France has always been about economic cooperation, not military collaboration,” Ribadu stated. “While Niger’s leadership may have issues with France, it is unreasonable to expect Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.”
He emphasized that Nigeria’s ties with France have no military implications and that Nigeria would not allow itself to be used as a tool for destabilising Niger.
“Once again, I emphasise that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly economic and has no military implications,” he said. “We will not allow our country to be used as a tool for destabilising Niger. We hope that Niger’s leadership will understand this and work with us as allies and brothers to ensure peace and stability in the region.”
