Nigeria Could Not Have Won Civil War Without Niger Republic’s Support — Obasanjo

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says Nigeria’s victory in the civil war was made possible in part by support from the Niger Republic, revealing that supplies reached Nigerian troops through the neighbouring country during the conflict.

Speaking on Soni Irabor Live on News Central, Obasanjo said Niger played a critical but often overlooked role during the 1967–1970 civil war.

According to him, logistics routed through Niger Republic helped sustain Nigerian troops on the front lines.

Obasanjo made the remark while criticising Nigeria’s handling of relations with Niger following the July 2023 coup that removed President Mohamed Bazoum.

He faulted the decision to shut borders and cut electricity supply to Niger, arguing that the move ignored decades of cooperation between both countries.

The former president also referenced Niger Republic’s contribution to the development of Kainji Dam, saying Nigeria had long recognised a responsibility to support its northern neighbour’s electricity needs.

“Without the support of Niger Republic, achieving victory in the civil war would have been challenging. We relied on them to transport supplies to our troops,” he said.

Obasanjo warned that Nigeria’s influence in Africa has weakened, saying the country no longer plays the strategic leadership role it once held on the continent.

He cited Nigeria’s past support for liberation struggles in Africa, including financial backing for Angola’s independence movement and support for South Africa’s anti-apartheid struggle.

He also expressed concern over the state of ECOWAS, saying the regional bloc has been poorly managed despite decades of effort invested in building it.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s response to the coup in Niger, Obasanjo questioned whether the country had undermined a long-standing relationship with a key neighbour.

Obasanjo served as Nigeria’s military head of state from 1976 to 1979 and as civilian president from 1999 to 2007.