A group of prominent northern Nigerian intellectuals has urged President Bola Tinubu to resist allowing the United States and French military bases to relocate from the Sahel to Nigeria.
In a letter dated May 3, 2024, addressed to President Tinubu and the leaders of the National Assembly, the northern elders expressed concerns about the implications of hosting foreign military bases.
The letter explained that the US and France are seeking defense agreements with Nigeria and other Gulf of Guinea nations to station troops previously based in Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Niger Republic. The northern leaders believe this move could undermine Nigeria's security and sovereignty.
The elders emphasized that the presence of US and French military bases in the Sahel has not effectively curbed terrorism. They noted that terrorism has actually increased since these bases were established. The letter also raised questions about the benefits of hosting foreign military bases, particularly when their track record in combating regional threats is questionable.
The signatories to the letter include Abubakar Mohammed from the Centre for Democratic Development, Research, and Training (CEDDERT); Kabiru Chafe, former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, representing the Arewa Research and Development Project (ARDP); Attahiru Jega, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Jibrin Ibrahim of the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD); Auwal Musa (Rafsanjani) from the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CCISLAC); and YZ Ya’u from the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD).
Tensions between Niger Republic and France have risen following a military coup in Niger, leading to the expulsion of French troops. This development has affected the broader security landscape in the Sahel, prompting the US and France to seek alternative locations for their military presence.
"Hosting foreign troops often results in increased prices and higher living costs in local areas, disproportionately affecting lower-income populations. Environmentally, military bases can cause significant damage, including deforestation, soil erosion, water contamination, and loss of biodiversity. These environmental issues can negatively impact agricultural communities and indigenous populations, leading to long-term harm that undermines sustainable development and economic opportunities," the letter stated.
Moreover, the letter cautioned that the presence of foreign military bases in Nigeria could exacerbate strained relations with neighboring French-speaking countries. The northern leaders argued that these factors should prompt the Nigerian government to carefully evaluate any defense agreements with the United States or France.
They emphasized that the government must consider the broader implications of hosting foreign military bases, not only on Nigeria's internal security and environment but also on its relationships with neighboring nations. The letter urged President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to prioritize Nigeria's long-term peace and security over short-term strategic alignments.
The northern leaders also voiced concerns about the economic and environmental impact of hosting foreign military bases. They argued that diverting resources towards maintaining these bases could hinder economic development and divert funds from crucial sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Furthermore, environmental degradation resulting from military activities could adversely impact local communities.
The letter emphasized that the potential drawbacks of hosting foreign military bases outweigh any perceived benefits, urging the Nigerian government to prioritize the nation's security and sovereignty. The northern leaders concluded that alternative approaches to addressing regional security issues should be considered, focusing on strengthening Nigeria's own defense capabilities.
