Nigeria, Benin Foreign Ministers Meet in Abuja, Address Failed Coup and Regional Security Threats

Nigeria’s Foreign Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and his Beninese counterpart, Olushegun Adjadi Bakar, met at the ECOWAS headquarters in Abuja to discuss the recent failed coup attempt in Benin and rising security challenges across West Africa. Both ministers emphasized the need for deeper regional cooperation, with Tuggar noting that much of Nigeria’s insecurity stems from external influences. Benin’s minister confirmed that Nigerian military support was sought to neutralize coup plotters positioned in sensitive locations, praising the swift response that helped restore order. The two nations called for a standby regional force to counter future destabilisation attempts, while authorities continue hunting the coup leader, Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri.


#RegionalSecurity

#ECOWAS

#BeninCoup

Guinea-Bissau’s opposition is urging ECOWAS to intervene to protect the country’s democracy.

They are calling for the same kind of involvement the bloc showed recently in Benin.

Rising political tensions have sparked worries about the state of democratic institutions.

Opposition leaders warn that without ECOWAS action, those institutions could be undermined.

The regional organization has a record of mediating governance issues across West Africa,
and supporters hope it will step in to help preserve peace and stability.

Aliko Dangote Named Pioneer Chair of New ECOWAS Business Council

Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has been appointed the first Chairperson of the newly established ECOWAS Business Council, a regional platform created to strengthen private sector investment and deepen economic integration across West Africa. The appointment was announced by ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray during the 95th Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in Abuja.
The Business Council is expected to mobilise regional private capital, reduce dependence on foreign investment, and enhance collaboration between businesses, governments, and ECOWAS institutions. Leaders at the event—including officials from Sierra Leone and Nigeria—emphasised the need for stability, democratic governance, youth empowerment, and improved cross-border trade.
Dangote’s leadership is projected to energise private sector participation at a time when ECOWAS faces political instability, security threats, and humanitarian crises in several member states.

TIB Delta to Protest ‘Unlawful’ Prosecution of Activist Aghogho Amid AGF Authorization Dispute

The Take It Back Movement (TIB), Delta State chapter, plans a peaceful protest at the Federal High Court in Warri on December 15 over the alleged unlawful prosecution of activist Ighorhiohwunu Aghogho. The group says Delta State initiated federal charges without the Attorney-General of the Federation’s consent, despite conflicting positions presented before the ECOWAS Court. Aghogho is challenging the case as unconstitutional and seeking its dismissal along with ₦500 billion in compensation. TIB argues that the AGF’s filings expose inconsistencies, calling for judicial accountability as tensions rise ahead of the next court hearing.

NIGERIA-BANGKOK TO UNLOCK POTENTIAL IN AFRICA-ASIA COOPERATION

Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to take their bilateral relationship to a strategic level. The commitment was made during a high-level meeting in Bangkok today, between Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar and his Thai counterpart, Sihasak Phuangketkeow.

In a statement, Yusuf Tuggar, proposed for Thailand to help bridge the regions, by fostering collaboration between the African bloc, ECOWAS, and the Southeast Asian bloc, ASEAN, foreseeing eventual ASEAN-ECOWAS Summit in the long-term.

Both sides discussed building on Nigeria's crude oil exports and Thailand's rice and machinery exports, and extending to scholarship programmes for Nigerian students.

They agreed to diversify into new areas like agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, and ICT.

While on security, Yusuf Tuggar stressed on cooperation against transnational crimes like drug and human trafficking, proposing increased intelligence-sharing and joint training.

To solidify this enhanced partnership, the Minister urged for speedy conclusion of pending bilateral agreements on trade, investment, and culture, with a view to establishing a high-level joint commission.

The meeting concluded with Nigeria reaffirming Thailand as its strategic partner in Asia and extended an invitation for reciprocal high-level visits.

ECOWAS Unveils Business Council, Appoints Dangote as First Chairman

ECOWAS has launched the ECOWAS Business Council to strengthen private-sector participation and boost regional investment, naming Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote as its pioneer chairman. The announcement was made during the opening of the 95th ECOWAS Council of Ministers meeting in Abuja. ECOWAS Commission President Dr. Omar Alieu Touray said the initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign capital by promoting intra-regional investment and fostering collaboration between governments, private-sector leaders, and ECOWAS institutions. Dangote’s selection is based on his vast investment footprint across West Africa and his leadership of one of the region’s biggest conglomerates. The Council is expected to drive economic integration, sustainable development, and capital mobilisation across member states.


#ECOWAS

#Dangote

#RegionalInvestment

ECOWAS Slashes Air Travel Taxes and Charges to Boost Regional Connectivity

West African leaders have taken a major step to make flying within the region significantly cheaper, adopting measures that will abolish multiple air transport taxes and cut passenger and security charges by 25 percent starting 1 January 2026.

The decision was reached at the ECOWAS Heads of State and Government Summit held in Abuja in December 2024, where leaders signed a Supplementary Act on Aviation Charges, Taxes and Fees aimed at tackling one of the biggest barriers to regional integration: the high cost of intra-African air travel.

For years, West Africa has had some of the world’s most expensive airfares relative to distance, largely due to a web of taxes, fuel surcharges, security fees and other levies imposed by individual countries.

The new policy requires all 15 ECOWAS member states to eliminate designated air transport taxes entirely and reduce remaining passenger service and security charges by a quarter.

The move is expected to lower ticket prices, stimulate tourism and business travel, strengthen local airlines and support trade, and advance the free movement of people and goods – a core objective of the ECOWAS Treaty.

To ensure compliance, the ECOWAS Commission will oversee implementation through a newly established Regional Air Transport Economic Oversight Mechanism.

Regional aviation stakeholders have welcomed the decision, describing it as a game-changer for West Africa’s Africa’s chronically under-served air transport market.

The reforms will take effect on 1 January 2026, giving airlines and national authorities one year to adjust systems and regulations.

ECOWAS Declares Regional State of Emergency as Coups and Instability Surge in West Africa

ECOWAS has declared a regional state of emergency following a spike in coups, attempted mutinies, and worsening insecurity across West Africa. ECOWAS Commission President Omar Touray announced the decision during the 55th Mediation and Security Council meeting in Abuja, stressing the urgent need for coordinated action to protect democracy and stability. The emergency move comes amid rising political tensions and security breakdowns in several member states, with further operational directives expected after ongoing deliberations.


#ECOWAS #WestAfricaCrisis #RegionalSecurity

NEWS FLASH

PRESIDENT TINUBU SEEKS SENATE CONSENT ON TROOPS DEPLOYMENT TO BENIN REPUBLIC

President Bola Tinubu this Tuesday transmitted to the senate a request seeking its consent to deploy Nigerian troops on peace mission to Benin Republic.

In the communication the President explained that the deployment is to provide support in the country as requested by President Patrice Talon, following the recent failed coup attempt.

The deployment is in line with the protocol of the regional bloc, Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS.

It is also in tandem with section 30 sub 5 of Nigeria's constitution in consultation with Nigeria Defence Council.

The request has been referred to the committee of the whole for immediate consideration.

Nigeria had earlier provided air intervention following the unconstitutional breach in Benin.

Tinubu’s Benin Republic Intervention Is Unconstitutional and Impeachable — Lawyer Marshal Abubakar

Human rights lawyer Marshal Abubakar has declared President Bola Tinubu’s deployment of Nigerian troops to Benin Republic after the December 7 coup an impeachable offence, arguing it violates Section 5(4)(b) of the 1999 Constitution. He said the President lacks the power to send armed forces on combat duty outside Nigeria without prior approval from the National Assembly, regardless of ECOWAS protocols. Abubakar stressed that emergency military action is only lawful when Nigeria itself faces imminent threat — not when intervening to defend another country. He also warned that ECOWAS treaties cannot supersede the Nigerian Constitution.
Beyond the legal infractions, Abubakar expressed concern over rising coups across West Africa, linking them to corruption, weak institutions, insecurity, and leadership failures. He urged African leaders to restore public trust, strengthen democratic systems, and address governance collapse to prevent further military takeovers.


#BeninIntervention

#TinubuAdministration

#ConstitutionalViolation

URGENT ECOWAS STATEMENT N°2 ON BÉNIN.

The Chair of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of state and Government has ordered the deployment of elements of the ECOWAS Standby Force to the Republic of Benin with immediate effect

07 December 2025.

STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE

President Tinubu commends Nigeria's Armed Forces for protecting democracy in Benin Republic

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended the gallantry of Nigeria's military on Sunday for responding swiftly to the request by the Government of Benin Republic to save its 35-year-old democracy from coup plotters who struck at dawn today.

Acting on two separate requests from the Government of Benin, President Tinubu first ordered Nigerian Air Force fighter jets to enter the country and take over the airspace to help dislodge the coup plotters from the National TV and a military camp where they had regrouped.

The Republic of Benin, through its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a Note Verbal, requested immediate Nigerian air support "in view of the urgency and seriousness of the situation and to safeguard the constitutional order, protect national institutions and ensure the security of the population."

In the second request, the authorities in Benin requested the deployment of Nigerian Air Force assets within Beninoise airspace for surveillance and rapid intervention operations under Benin-led coordination.

The Benin government also requested Nigerian ground forces, "strictly for missions approved by the Beninese Command authority in support of the protection of constitutional institutions and the containment of armed Groups."

Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, said all the requests have been fulfilled, with Nigerian ground forces now in Benin.

"Ours is to comply with the order of the Commander-in-Chief of our armed forces, President Tinubu," he said.

Constitutional order was upended in the Republic of Benin, Nigeria's neighbour, when some soldiers led by Colonel Pascal Tigri announced a coup on Sunday morning. The putschists seized the National TV and claimed they had toppled President Patrice Talon and suspended all democratic institutions.

It took some hours before the government's loyal forces, assisted by Nigeria, took control and flushed out the coup plotters from the National TV.

In his remarks after the restoration of the democratic and constitutional order, President Tinubu saluted the Nigerian armed forces for standing firm as a protector and defender of democracy.

“Today, the Nigerian armed forces stood gallantly as a defender and protector of constitutional order in the Republic of Benin on the invitation of the government. Our armed forces acted within the ambit of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance. They have helped stabilise a neighbouring country and have made us proud of their commitment to sustaining our democratic values and ideals since 1999. Nigeria stands firmly with the government and people of the Republic of Benin."

Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President

(Information and Strategy)

December 7, 2025

NIGERIA CONDEMNS ATTEMPTED UNCONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE REPUBLIC OF BENIN

The Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has received with grave concern and unequivocally condemns in the strongest possible terms the attempted forcible seizure of power in our friendly neighbour and brotherly nation, the Republic of Benin in the early hours of Sunday 7th December, 2025.

This act of destabilization represents a direct assault on democracy, constitutional order, and the collective will of the Beninese people, who have consistently demonstrated their commitment to peaceful political transitions. Nigeria stands in firm solidarity with the Government and people of the Republic of Benin, and applauds the swift action taken by Beninese authorities to protect its legitimate institutions and preserve the peace.

We commend the courage and professionalism of the Beninese security forces in defending the constitutional order and guaranteeing the safety of the President. Their dedication ensured that the unfortunate attempt to subvert democracy was decisively repelled.

Nigeria reiterates its strong commitment to the principles of democracy, good governance, and the rule of law as fundamental pillars for peace, development and regional stability. Unconstitutional changes of government are an unacceptable and retrogressive step that threatens the hard-earned democratic gains and socio-economic progress of our sub-region.

As a steadfast partner within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, Nigeria calls on all member states and the international community to unite in condemning this act and in reaffirming our shared commitment to the African Union’s Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance.

We urge all parties in the Republic of Benin to remain calm, uphold the rule of law, and continue to channel any political discourse through peaceful, constitutional, and democratic means.

The Federal Government of Nigeria reassures the Government of the Republic of Benin of its full support and continued cooperation as we work together, as brothers and partners, to deepen democracy and ensure lasting peace and prosperity for our peoples and the entire West African region.

Signed:

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, anipr
Spokesperson,
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.
Sunday, 7th December, 2025

BREAKING: Benin’s president Patrice Talon seen on live TV for the first time since attempted coup

He says as the attempted coup d’état, has been thwarted with the help of Nigeria, and ECOWAS: “the situation is under control.”

ECOWAS Deploys Standby Force to Benin After Failed Coup Attempt

ECOWAS has ordered the immediate deployment of elements of its Standby Force to the Republic of Benin following Sunday’s failed coup attempt. In a statement titled “ECOWAS Statement N°2 on Bénin”, the bloc said the deployment was approved under Article 25(e) of its 1999 conflict-management protocol after consultations with regional leaders. Troops will be drawn from Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ghana. The regional force is tasked with supporting Benin’s government and military to preserve constitutional order and prevent further instability. ECOWAS condemned the attempted coup as a subversion of the people’s will and warned that those responsible will be held accountable.

VP Shettima Departs Abuja For Abidjan

Vice President Kashim Shettima has departed Abuja for Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, to represent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the inauguration of Alassane Ouattara for a fourth term in office as President of that country.

In a Statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President, Stanley Nkwocha said Shettima is expected to join other leaders across Africa and beyond to witness activities lined up for the swearing-in ceremony scheduled to hold on Monday, December 8, 2025, at the Presidential Palace in Abidjan.

Quatara was re-elected for a fourth term in office on October 25, 2025 as President of Côte d'Ivoire, a West African country that shares cordial diplomatic ties with Nigeria.

Both nations collaborate significantly within ECOWAS and the African Union on security, trade, and development, formalised by a Bi-National Commission and numerous agreements covering areas like anti-trafficking, agriculture, and digital economy, with strong informal trade and significant Nigerian diaspora in Côte d'Ivoire, fostering deep bilateral economic and social connections.

The Vice President is accompanied by HE Omar Aliyu Touray, President of ECOWAS Commission; Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and Hon. Usman Zannah, member representing Kaga/Gubio/Magumeri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives.

The Vice President is expected back in Abuja at the end of the inauguration ceremony.

Explosions Rock Tignon Barracks as Benin Coup Plotters Attempt Escape After Failed Takeover

Heavy explosions and gunfire erupted at Tignon Barracks near Cotonou as soldiers involved in Benin Republic’s failed coup attempt allegedly barricaded themselves inside the facility while trying to evade arrest. Led by Lieutenant Colonel Pascal Tigri, the mutineers briefly seized national television at dawn, announcing the suspension of the constitution before loyalist forces regained control. Reports indicate that several plotters shed their uniforms and fled in civilian clothes, while Tigri’s whereabouts remain unknown. Witnesses also observed unidentified aircraft arriving from Nigeria and Ivory Coast. ECOWAS and the African Union have condemned the attempted coup, as uncertainty and heightened security continue across Cotonou.

Nigeria Condemns Failed Coup in Benin, Affirms Strong Support for President Talon

The Nigerian government has strongly condemned the failed coup attempt in the Republic of Benin, describing the attack as a direct assault on democracy and regional stability. In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria praised Beninese security forces for swiftly repelling the plot and safeguarding President Patrice Talon. The government reaffirmed its commitments under ECOWAS and the African Union, urging all member states to reject unconstitutional changes of government. Nigeria also called for calm among political actors in Benin and pledged continued cooperation to defend democracy and maintain peace across West Africa.

BREAKING: ECOWAS has issued a statement condemning the attempted military takeover in the Republic of Benin.

The regional body calls for full respect for Benin’s constitution and warns that those behind the plot will be held responsible.

African Leaders Including Femi Falana, Kwame Karikari Demand Release Of Guinea-Bissau Election Results, Condemn Military Rule

Twenty eminent African leaders, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and Professor Kwame Karikari, have demanded the immediate release of Guinea-Bissau’s November 23 election results. The group condemned the military’s seizure of electoral materials and interference with the process, warning that West Africa cannot afford another democratic collapse. In a joint statement titled “Restoring Constitutional Order and the Rule of Law in Guinea-Bissau,” they urged ECOWAS, the African Union, and the UN to take decisive action to restore civilian rule and protect the will of the people.