The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said yesterday that the Federal Government is not considering a request from any country to establish a military base in Nigeria.
Idris dismissed as unfounded reports that the government was considering the citing of a military base in the country, saying Nigeria “is not in any such discussion with any foreign country”.
A statement signed by the minister reads: “The Federal Government is aware of false alarms being raised in some quarters alleging discussions between the Federal Government of Nigeria and some foreign countries on the siting of foreign military bases in the country.
“We urge the general public to totally disregard this falsehood. The Federal Government is not in any such discussion with any foreign country. We have neither received nor are we considering any proposals from any country on the establishment of any foreign military bases in Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government already enjoys foreign cooperation in tackling ongoing security challenges, and the President remains committed to deepening these partnerships, with the goal of achieving the national security objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Following the exit of the French military from their bases in Sahel countries, such as: Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger Republic as a result of rising nationalism in the host countries.
There were speculations that France and the United States (U.S.), which left Niger Republic under the same circumstance, are interested in relocating their military bases to countries such as Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic.
Some Civil Society Organization (CSOs) last week threatened action should the Federal Government allow foreign military bases in the country.
