The Nigerian government has categorically denied reports of discussions with foreign countries to establish military bases in Nigeria. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued a statement on Monday urging citizens to disregard the “falsehood.”
The denial comes after reports that prominent leaders and civil society organizations had cautioned the government against allowing the United States and France to relocate their military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria.
In an open letter to President Tinubu and the National Assembly leadership, the leaders warned against succumbing to pressure from foreign governments. Signatories included notable figures such as Prof. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Prof. Kabiru Sulaiman Chafe, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and others.
According to the letter, the American and French governments have been lobbying Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea countries to sign new defense pacts, allowing them to redeploy troops expelled from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. Nigeria’s strategic location makes it a prime target for these foreign powers.
The leaders expressed concerns about the potential implications of hosting foreign military bases, including economic and environmental impacts. They argued that it could divert resources away from critical areas like education, healthcare, and infrastructure development, exacerbating poverty and stunting economic growth.
The government’s denial has put to rest fears of foreign military bases being established in Nigeria, but the issue remains a contentious one, with many Nigerians wary of foreign interference in the country’s affairs.
