The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, said the relationship between Nigeria and France is strictly economic, not military.
Ribadu made this known during an interview with BBC Hausa on Friday.
Ribadu’s clarification comes amid an allegation made by the leader of Niger’s military junta, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of allowing France to use its territory as a staging ground for destabilising Niger.
However, Nigeria’s NSA, Ribadu, described these allegations as baseless and implausible.
According to him, the claim is an attempt to strain relations between Nigeria and France.
He noted that it was unreasonable for Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.
“Our relationship with France has always been about economic cooperation, not military collaboration. 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.
“Once again, I emphasise that Nigeria’s relationship with France is strictly economic and has no military implications. 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.”
Media Talk Africa also reported that the Federal Government refuted allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, General Abdourahamane Tchiani, claiming that Nigeria colluded with France to destabilise his country.
