FG denies ulterior undertone in Nigeria’s over €300 million investment agreements with France

Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, made this known in a statement on Thursday.

He dismissed comments attributed to Niger Republic’s military President, Abdourahamane Tchiani, alleging that Nigeria sponsors terrorism through France, describing the claims as false, misleading, and a figment of Tchiani’s imagination.

Abdulkadir clarified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu visited Paris, where Nigeria and France signed agreements to boost infrastructure development and food security.

“The agreements include a €300 million 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,” he stated.

“We reiterate that there is no ulterior undertone in Nigeria’s relationship with France,” he added.

On Thursday, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) defended Nigeria’s reputation as a “generous” and “magnanimous” country within the West African region.

“For years, Nigeria has supported peace and security in several countries, not only within the West African subregion but across the African continent. The recent successes recorded by the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), led by Nigeria, demonstrate the country’s commitment to regional peace and security.   

“ECOWAS, therefore, refutes any suggestion that such a generous and magnanimous country would become a state sponsor of terrorism,” the statement read.

Dr. Omar Touray, President of the ECOWAS Commission, disclosed this at the conclusion of the 66th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government, held in Abuja.

He explained that the Authority acknowledged the notifications from the three countries and, in line with Article 91 of the revised ECOWAS Treaty, the countries would officially cease to be members of ECOWAS from January 29, 2025.