A Nigerian advocacy group, the Venezuela Solidarity Campaign, has reiterated its support for the people and government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, while cautioning against what it described as renewed imperial ambitions by powerful foreign interests targeting sovereign nations.
In a statement released on Monday, the coalition dismissed circulating social media claims about its recent actions, insisting that its activities were peaceful and rooted in international solidarity. The group reaffirmed its opposition to foreign military intervention, economic sanctions, and regime-change strategies directed at Venezuela and other independent states.
The campaign recalled that its members paid a courtesy visit to the Venezuelan Embassy in Nigeria in November last year. According to the group, the visit was a diplomatic gesture meant to express concern over alleged threats of invasion and economic pressure against Venezuela by the United States.
It stressed that global conflicts should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy, and respect for international law, warning that allegations such as drug trafficking or arms smuggling are often used as justification for foreign intervention and the exploitation of natural resources.
The coalition argued that Venezuela’s large oil reserves and strategic resources have made the country a target of external interests. It claimed that recent statements attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump reflected attempts to reassert multinational corporate control over Venezuela’s oil sector.
The group also raised concerns over what it described as threats against other countries, including Greenland, Iran, and Nigeria, warning that such actions undermine global peace and disproportionately affect nations in the Global South.
Despite criticism following its solidarity walk to the Venezuelan Embassy, the campaign said it remained resolute and urged Nigerians who value justice and global peace to participate in peaceful protests against imperialism and violations of national sovereignty.
It further accused some Nigerian political actors of aligning with foreign interests in opposition to the Bola Tinubu administration, cautioning that such alliances could expose Nigeria to external manipulation and instability. The group also warned against reviving disputed forfeiture claims from the early 1990s, describing such moves as dangerous.
Drawing on Nigeria’s historical role in supporting liberation struggles in Africa, the coalition noted that the country has traditionally stood with oppressed peoples and warned that Venezuela’s current challenges could one day confront Nigeria if vigilance is lost.
The group called for the release of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, whom it alleged were unlawfully detained, and renewed its demand for an end to U.S. interference in Venezuela’s internal affairs. It urged respect for Venezuela’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and democratic institutions.
The statement was jointly signed by Gerald Katchy of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, Blessing Yusuf of the Federation of Informal Workers of Nigeria, Omole Ibukun of the Creative Change Centre, Abiodun Emmanuel Fayemi of the African Farmers and Agricultural Practitioners, and Kunle Wizeman Ajayi of the African Action Congress and United Actions for Democracy.
The coalition concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain united and people-focused, noting that social justice, national cohesion, and inclusive governance remain the strongest safeguards against foreign aggression.
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