Nigeria’s minister of international affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, claims there is no hidden agenda in the country’s relationship with France.
On December 25, Niger Republic’s military chief, Abdourahamane Tchiani, accused Nigeria of collaborating with France to destabilise his country.
In an interview on Wednesday, Tchiani said that France is negotiating with terrorists in Nigeria to disrupt the country, and that the European nation offered a “substantial payment to President Bola Tinubu” to create a military base in Nigeria.
On Sunday, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Tuggar‘s special assistant for media and communications strategy, issued a statement dismissing Tchiani’s assertions.
Abdulkadir said the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial.
The statement reads:
“President Tchiani’s allegation during his Christmas Day Broadcast is false and misleading. A “Canada” camp where French soldiers are camped in Borno State does not exist; it is a figment of his imagination. Most importantly, there are no French soldiers in Nigeria or any plans by the government of Nigeria to establish a military post manned by the French.”
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was in Paris, where Nigeria and France signed two agreements to boost infrastructure development and food security. At the same time, Nigerian lenders Zenith Bank and United Bank for Africa (UBA) expanded their operations into France.
“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. Thus the funds are not in exchange for the establishment of a military post.
“As a country in transition, Nigeria has signed development agreements with France and China, the USA, Japan, Russia, the Netherlands, etc. Bilateral economic relations and mutual support are standards for countries to engage in; even Niger itself has countries it is involved with. Again, we reiterate that there is no ulterior undertone in Nigeria’s relationship with France.
“It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial, and it is guided by mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.”