Nigeria refutes President Tchiani’s allegations as baseless
The Nigerian government has dismissed recent claims made by Niger Republic’s President Abdourahamane Tchiani during his Christmas Day broadcast as false and unfounded.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the allegations were described as “misleading and imaginary.”
President Tchiani alleged the presence of a “Canada” camp housing French soldiers in Nigeria’s Borno State. However, the Nigerian government has firmly refuted this, stating that no such camp exists, nor are there any French soldiers stationed in Nigeria.
The statement emphasized that there are no plans by the Nigerian government to establish a French-manned military post on its soil.
It further clarified President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent visit to Paris, where Nigeria and France signed agreements aimed at enhancing infrastructure development and food security. Nigerian financial institutions, Zenith Bank and the United Bank for Africa (UBA), also expanded their operations into France during this period.
Among the agreements was a €300 million investment plan to support critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, agriculture, renewable energy, and human capital development in Nigeria. The government categorically stated that this investment is unrelated to any military arrangement.
The statement highlighted that Nigeria’s bilateral agreements with France, as well as with other nations like China, the USA, Japan, and Russia, are standard international practices aimed at fostering economic growth and development.
It emphasized that such relationships are built on mutual respect, dignity, and non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry reiterated the longstanding cordial relationship between Nigeria and France, dismissing any notion of ulterior motives behind their engagements.
The government assured Nigerians and the international community that its foreign policy remains guided by transparency and respect for sovereignty.
