Prominent leaders from the northern region of Nigeria have voiced their concerns regarding the potential relocation of US and French military bases from the Sahel to Nigeria through a communique dated May 3, 2024. Addressing President Bola Tinubu and leaders of the National Assembly, these elders urged the Nigerian government to resist any pressure aimed at such a move.
Expressing their concerns, the letter highlighted ongoing efforts by the US and France to lobby Nigeria and other nations in the Gulf of Guinea for defense agreements, aiming to station troops previously stationed in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger within Nigerian borders. The northern leaders fear that heeding to such a pact could compromise Nigeria’s defense and security interests.
Citing the questionable effectiveness of foreign military presence in the region, the letter highlighted concerns about the escalating terrorism despite the presence of American forces in Niger. It emphasized that the purported objective of eradicating terrorism in the Sahel has not been achieved, raising doubts about the utility of foreign military bases in the region.
Furthermore, the elders cautioned against sacrificing Nigeria’s sovereignty and independence for alliances that could yield adverse consequences in the future. They drew attention to Nigeria’s historical opposition to defense pacts with foreign nations dating back to the 1960s, citing instances such as the cancellation of the Anglo-Nigerian Defense Agreement during the Balewa administration due to public perception of encroachment on Nigeria’s autonomy.
Highlighting the socio-economic and environmental repercussions of hosting foreign troops, the letter pointed out how such presence could inflate local prices and living costs, disproportionately affecting low-income residents. Additionally, it emphasized the environmental degradation associated with military base construction and operation, including deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss, which could hinder sustainable development and economic opportunities for local communities.
