Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports of diplomatic tensions with The Gambia, reaffirming the two countries’ long-standing friendly and cooperative relationship.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, ministry spokesman Kimiebi Ebienfa urged the public and media to avoid spreading inflammatory comments that could damage relations between the two nations.

He was responding to speculations following two letters circulating in the public domain: one allegedly from ECOWAS President Omar Touray to Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister seeking the removal of Nigerian ECOWAS Commissioner Nazifi Darma, and another from a Nigerian civil society group calling on The Gambia’s President to dismiss Touray.

Ebienfa stressed that such claims should not be used to fuel unnecessary tension.

“The ministry wants to make it categorically clear that there is no issue between Nigeria and The Gambia. We have very cordial relations,” he said.

He highlighted Nigeria’s historic contributions to The Gambia, including support in the military, judiciary, and healthcare sectors.

“A Nigerian has served as Chief Judge of The Gambia. Nigerians have also served as Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff,” he noted.

Ebienfa explained that ECOWAS appointments follow a formal process involving the Authority of Heads of State, an ad hoc ministerial committee and final approval by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers.

He added that Commissioner Darma had already briefed the ministry and has taken his concerns to the ECOWAS Court of Justice, which means the matter is now before the court.

“Once a case is in court, it becomes a legal issue. Disciplinary matters involving Commissioners are handled by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers,” he said.

He called on the public to respect the legal process and avoid statements that could strain relations between Nigeria and The Gambia.