IN SHORT: Several social media posts claim Putin has called Nigeria a “British branch in Africa”. But there is no evidence that Putin made such a statement and Russia and Nigeria have continued peaceful diplomatic relations.
Russian president Vladimir Putin has called Nigeria the “British branch in Africa”, and it’s for this reason he hasn’t visited Nigeria. This is according to several posts on Facebook.
One post from 3 October 2025 reads, in part: “Breaking News: Russia’s Putin Dismisses Nigeria as ‘British Branch in Africa’— Explains Why He Never Visited the Country ‘don’t see Nigeria as a country, but as a British branch in Africa. That’s why I have never visited or spoken about them, – Russian President.”
The post, shared over 350 times, claims Putin said: “Britain still dictates Nigeria’s affairs, speaks on her behalf, and controls her destiny from behind the curtains.”
Putin has been the dominant political figure in Russia, serving as either president or prime minister since 1999. He began his fifth term as president in 2024.
Nigeria was colonised by Britain, which formally took control in the early 1900s and merged the northern and southern regions in 1914. The country remained under British rule until it gained independence on 1 October 1960.
The claim about Putin’s comment surfaced after Nigeria marked its 65th year of independence on 1 October 2025.
The same quote was found here, here, here, here and here.
But is the statement attributed to Putin genuine? We checked.
No proof of statement
Africa Check conducted a keyword search of the statement, but found no report by any credible media organisation, both locally and internationally.
Putin is one of the world’s most prominent leaders, and his statements and actions are usually covered by the biggest media houses across the world.
The statement is also controversial, attacking the Nigerian and British governments. The silence of the media implies that Putin never made such a statement.
Nigeria and Russia also have an ongoing peaceful diplomatic relationship. In April, Russia pledged stronger military cooperation with Nigeria in its ongoing fight against terrorism.
In August, Russia’s ambassador to Nigeria, Andrey Podelyshev, also said that Moscow will continue to give diplomatic support to Nigeria, noting that 25 November marks the 65th anniversary of the countries' diplomatic relations.
The claim that Putin called Nigeria a “British branch in Africa” is fabricated.
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