The Nigerian government has issued a stern warning to any foreign countries or interests that might be behind the ongoing #Endbadgovernance protests in Nigeria. The protests, which have entered their eighth day, were sparked by the harsh economic policies implemented by President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, addressed members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, emphasizing that Nigeria is a sovereign state and will not tolerate any interference in its domestic affairs by foreign entities supporting the protesters. He stated, “While the government continues to work hard through the various reform programmes and measures to address the challenges facing Nigeria and Nigerians, it is pertinent to remind us that no nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means, or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.”
This position from the government may be related to reports of protesters waving the Russian flag and calling on President Vladimir Putin to assist Nigerian citizens amidst the prevailing hunger and hardship. Russia, through its embassy in Abuja, has distanced itself from the protesters waving its flag and denied any involvement in organizing the protests.
The protests, which began on August 1, have escalated into violence, resulting in deaths, looting, and property destruction. Despite this, Tuggar reassured that Nigeria values its cordial relationships with other countries and organizations and will not undermine these relationships. He urged the diplomats to collaborate with the Nigerian government in its ongoing efforts to address the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerian at home and abroad.
Tuggar also pointed out that there is no “instant fix” to the legacy of decay that President Tinubu inherited, adding that the reforms by his administration were sincere and well thought out, and would eventually create a better platform for jobs, prosperity, security, and the stable democracy that Nigeria deserves. Additionally, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris explained that President Tinubu had taken steps to alleviate the suffering in the country by approving the suspension of import duties and taxes on essential food items for 150 days, aimed at reducing food prices in the short term. He noted that efforts were ongoing to ramp up local agricultural production over the medium and long term.
Idris further mentioned a new Executive Order on Healthcare signed by the President, which suspends import duties on pharmaceutical raw materials and equipment to lower drug prices. Since August 1, many Nigerian cities have witnessed protests over hardships caused by the twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and the devaluation of the Nigerian currency, the Naira, leading to skyrocketing prices of food and essential items, thus triggering widespread hunger and misery.
Meanwhile, following reports that about seven Polish nationals were arrested in connection with the protests, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, provided an explanation regarding their arrest. Represented by DSS spokesman Dr. Peter Afunanya, Bichi stated that the seven Poles were detained during security enforcement because of their location at the time of the protests amid demonstrators waving foreign flags. He assured that investigations are ongoing in this case.
In another development, Foreign Affairs Minister Tuggar expressed concern over the alarming rate of illicit weapons movement within the ECOWAS sub-region, which is fueling insecurity. He urged the ECOWAS committee of chiefs of defense staff to develop new mechanisms and formulate recommendations that will complement the existing convention on small arms and light weapons to effectively prevent further proliferation of illicit weapons in West Africa.
At the 42nd meeting of ECOWAS chiefs of defense staff in Abuja, Tuggar highlighted that the movement of illicit weapons in West Africa was adversely affecting ECOWAS’s efforts to combat insecurity in the sub-region. He emphasized that the committee of ECOWAS chiefs of defense staff plays a crucial role in developing new military strategies and coordinating regional security to ensure peace, stability, and effective responses to emerging threats.
He stated, “In these times of rapidly evolving challenges, your military knowledge and strategic foresight are crucial. As the vanguard of our peace and security efforts, your strategies, decisions and actions are vital in determining our security landscape and architecture.”
Additionally, Senator Ahmed Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defense, in a goodwill message, assured Nigeria’s commitment to provide the necessary resources to tackle the menace of illicit weapons. He stressed that the region must take necessary actions to ensure that democracy is restored in African countries that have lost faith in it.
As the situation unfolds, the Nigerian government continues to monitor the protests and their impact on the country’s stability and security. The government’s firm stance on foreign interference and its commitment to addressing the economic challenges facing the nation demonstrate its resolve to restore order and improve the living conditions of its citizens. The international community, especially countries with diplomatic ties to Nigeria, will be closely observing how the situation develops and how the Nigerian government navigates these complex issues.
