Eminent Northern Leaders Urge President Tinubu to Reject Proposal for US, French Bases in Nigeria

A group of prominent northern leaders has issued a stern warning against permitting the relocation of United States and French military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria. In an open letter addressed to President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly leadership, the leaders emphasized the importance of resisting such pressure from foreign governments.

The signatories of the letter, which include notable figures such as Professor Abubakar Siddique Mohammed of CEDDERT, Zaria, and Professor Kabiru Sulaiman Chafe representing ARDP, Kaduna, highlighted concerns about the potential consequences of allowing foreign military presence in Nigeria. They cautioned that Nigeria’s strategic importance among Gulf of Guinea countries could lead to detrimental effects on the nation’s defense and internal security.

The letter revealed alleged aggressive lobbying efforts by the American and French governments to secure new defense agreements with Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea nations following the expulsion of their troops from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. The signatories expressed apprehension that succumbing to such pressure could exacerbate terrorism and compromise Nigeria’s sovereignty.

Critically assessing the effectiveness of foreign military presence in the Sahel region, the leaders pointed out the escalation of terrorism despite the establishment of American and French bases. They argued against the notion that hosting foreign troops would address security challenges, citing examples of increased living costs and environmental degradation associated with military bases.

The presidency and the National Assembly are yet to respond to the open letter, leaving the decision on whether to entertain the proposal for US and French military bases in Nigeria uncertain.