Nigeria’s relationship with France economic, not military – Ribadu

The National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, has refuted claims that Nigeria is involved in any military cooperation with France.

According to him, the country’s relationship with the European nation is strictly economic.

Ribadu spoke during an interview with BBC Hausa, monitored by our correspondents on Friday.

Ribadu’s comment was following an allegation made by Niger’s military junta leader, General Abdourahmane Tchiani, who accused Nigeria of allowing France to use its territory as a staging ground for destabilising Niger.

Speaking during the interview, the NSA dismissed these allegations as baseless and implausible, describing them as an attempt to strain relations between the two nations.

PUNCH Online on Thursday 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.

FG denies claims of sabotage, terror links in Niger Republic

Ribadu said it was unreasonable for Nigeria to sever ties with France over Niger’s internal disputes.

He said, “Nigeria has no history of hosting foreign military bases. Even our former colonizer, the United Kingdom, has never established a base here. We have consistently resisted such attempts, including from the United States. In contrast, Niger has hosted foreign bases, including one by the U.S., which they recently expelled. 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.”

Ribadu said Nigeria is committed to peaceful coexistence with its neighbours, citing long-standing amicable relations with countries like Chad, Benin Republic, and Cameroon.

“Nigeria has no intention of sabotaging or destabilizing Niger. We have always maintained peaceful relations with our neighbours, including Cameroon, Benin Republic, and Chad. Why would we suddenly have a reason to conflict with Niger? It simply doesn’t make sense,” NSA said.

On the broader security implications in the region, Ribadu emphasised the shared challenges of terrorism and banditry, which he said call for enhanced collaboration.

“The same terrorism and banditry affecting Niger also threaten Nigeria. We must work together to combat these threats. Nigerians and Nigeriens are essentially one people—what affects one side, affects the other.”

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