The Russian government has distanced itself from the October 1 hunger protests in Nigeria, denying involvement and accusing the US and UK of attempting to undermine its relationship with Nigeria. The embassy emphasized respect for Nigeria's sovereignty and a commitment to peaceful dialogue in resolving internal disputes.
The Russian government has clarified that it is not connected to the hunger protests that took place in Nigeria on October 1. A letter sent to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Russian embassy in Nigeria claims that Western nations, particularly the United States, the United Kingdom, and Ukraine, are attempting to damage the positive relationship between Russia and Nigeria by associating the protests with Russian influence.
During the protests, some demonstrators were observed waving Russian flags and chanting slogans, which led to allegations of Russian interference in Nigeria's internal matters. The embassy firmly dismissed these allegations as baseless and part of a larger media campaign orchestrated by Western officials.
The letter stated, “The Embassy categorically rejects such accusations and emphasizes that the Russian Federation had no involvement in the recent protests and does not connect to any future demonstrations or unrest.”
Russia reaffirmed its commitment to respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and adhering to the principle of non-interference in the affairs of independent nations. Additionally, the embassy conveyed President Vladimir Putin's congratulations to President Bola Tinubu on Nigeria’s National Day and expressed hopes for ongoing collaboration and deepened relations between the two nations.
