Nigerian government today labeled the recent allegations made by President Tchiani of Niger during his Christmas Day broadcast as false and misleading.
In a press statement released on Thursday, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant for Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, stated that the claim of a “Canada” camp housing French soldiers in Borno State is entirely fictitious. There are no French soldiers in Nigeria, nor are there any plans by the Nigerian government to establish a military post manned by the French.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was recently in Paris, where Nigeria and France signed two agreements aimed at boosting infrastructure development and food security. Concurrently, Nigerian banks Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) expanded their operations into France.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, also clarified that the agreements also included a 300 million Euro investment plan to support critical infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, agriculture, renewable energy, and human capital development across Nigeria. Abdulkadir emphasized that these funds are not in exchange for the establishment of a military post.
“As a country in transition, Nigeria has signed development agreements with various nations, including France, China, the USA, Japan, Russia, and the Netherlands,” the statement noted.
“Bilateral economic relations and mutual support are standard practices for countries. Even Niger itself has international partnerships.”
The statement reiterated that there is no ulterior motive in Nigeria’s relationship with France.
“The relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs,” the statement added.
Editor: Gabriel Ani
