The Federal Government has dismissed reports suggesting a diplomatic clash between Nigeria and The Gambia, insisting that recent controversies surrounding Nigeria’s representative at the ECOWAS Commission have been mischaracterised in the media.

Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the ministry felt compelled to address “ongoing issues in the media” regarding the alleged strain between the President of the ECOWAS Commission and Nigeria’s Commissioner for Internal Services, Prof. Nafi’u Abubakar Damma, appointed in 2022.

“What the ministry wants to state categorically is that there is no issue between Nigeria and Gambia,” Ebienfa declared.

“We have very cordial relations. Nigeria has helped The Gambia in different dimensions — from the military to the hospitals, to the judiciary. Nigerians have served as Chief Judge in The Gambia and even as military chiefs. We’ve supported them during crises and collaborated in several international fora.”

He described as “unfortunate” a recent radio analysis suggesting that the Gambian President of the ECOWAS Commission was “pressing Nigeria,” allegedly because of Gambia’s smaller population.

“People should not make comments that will cause unnecessary diplomatic tension between friendly countries,” he cautioned.

Ebienfa clarified the ECOWAS process for appointing commissioners, explaining that member states nominate candidates after portfolios are assigned by the Authority of Heads of State. These nominations are reviewed by a ministerial committee before the ECOWAS Council of Ministers gives final approval.

He confirmed that Nigeria’s commissioner, who oversees Internal Services, has indeed experienced a strained working relationship with the ECOWAS Commission President.

Ebienfa said the ministry had been informed — though had not yet sighted — a letter reportedly written by the ECOWAS Commission President requesting Nigeria to withdraw its commissioner. “I was told that he sent a letter, but as we speak, I have not seen it,” he said.

He also acknowledged media reports claiming that a Nigerian civil society organisation wrote to The Gambia’s President seeking the recall of the ECOWAS Commission President.

The spokesperson stressed that part of the dispute has already been taken before the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, limiting the ministry’s ability to comment further.

“Once a matter is in court, there is nothing much anyone can do. We cannot comment on it,” he stated.

Addressing claims that Nigeria was allowing its commissioner’s responsibilities to be undermined, Ebienfa firmly rejected the notion.

“It is not true that the ministry will sit down and watch Nigeria being marginalised. If someone representing the country is not treated fairly, we will not support that. The President is aware, and he will give the final direction on how this issue will be resolved.”

While noting that necessary steps were being taken, he said not all actions could be made public.

“These steps cannot all be disclosed, but definitely Nigeria is taking the necessary actions,” he assured.

On whether the ECOWAS Commission President acted within the rules, he said the Council of Ministers and the Court of Justice would determine that.

“We will make our submissions to Mr President, who will then decide the next steps,” he added.

Ebienfa urged journalists to avoid narratives capable of provoking diplomatic tension.

“We just want the media to know the ministry’s position: there is no strained relationship with Gambia. Let us avoid statements that may cause unnecessary diplomatic rows between friendly countries.” (Tribune)