The federal government of Nigeria, on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, said it is open to “constructive dialogue” with the leadership of Niger Republic to de-escalate the diplomatic tension between the two neighbouring countries.
The minister of foreign affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, in a statement, reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to peace and stability in West Africa, calling for “candid discussions to address mutual concerns” as raised by the President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland in Niger Republic, General Abdourahamane Tchiani.
Recall General Tchiani had alleged that there was a covert collusion between Nigeria and France to destabilise his country. But authorities had dismissed the claim as an attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ‘the principled stance’ of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the seizure of power in that country in 2023. In another statement, Tuggar said the federal government was open to a dialogue between the leadership of the two countries — in alignment with Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) principles.
Bauchi-born Tuggar said:
“As brothers and neighbours, Nigeria and Niger share deep historical and cultural ties, underscored by trade and economic interdependence.
“These enduring connections are reminders of our intrinsically linked destinies.
“Therefore, unfounded allegations causes needless tensions that could cause dissaffection and threaten the collective progress of our region.”
Ribadu refutes Niger’s terrorism allegations
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, dismissed allegations by Tchiani that Nigeria was colluding with France to destabilise Niger.
Ribadu who described the claims as baseless urged Niger’s leaders to address their grievances with France without dragging Nigeria into their disputes.
