…Denies religious persecution claims
The Federal Government has strongly rejected the decision by United States (US) President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians, describing the claims as inaccurate, misleading, and inconsistent with realities on the ground.
In a statement issued yesterday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Government dismissed Trump’s remarks alleging “large-scale killings of Christians” in Nigeria, stressing that such claims do not reflect the country’s complex security situation.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald J. Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians and calling for Nigeria’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’. These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully”, the ministry said.
It added that Nigeria “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom,” but maintains that acts of violence in the country arise mainly from terrorism, banditry, and communal clashes rather than any state-backed religious persecution.
Re-affirming the Tinubu administration’s commitment to protecting all citizens, the statement noted that Nigeria “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights of all its people”.
The Government said it would continue to engage constructively with Washington to deepen mutual understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and peace-building efforts.
Speaking earlier to CNN, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also rejected claims that terrorists in Nigeria specifically target Christians. “Some of these assumptions are based on faulty data. Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals also target Muslims – especially in the northern part of the country”, he said.
Recall that Trump had on Friday, via his Truth Social account and the White House’s X handle, announced Nigeria’s redesignation as a CPC, claiming that “Christianity faces an existential threat”, and urging Congress to take action.
The latest designation marks the second time Nigeria has appeared on the CPC list, the first being in 2020 during Trump’s earlier administration following recommendations by the US Commission on International Religious Freedom, (USCIRF).
Analysts, however, argue that the move oversimplifies Nigeria’s multifaceted security crises and could inflame sectarian narratives. They note that insurgent and bandit attacks have affected both Christians and Muslims alike.
By rejecting the US characterization, the Nigerian government seeks to reaffirm its image as a secular democracy committed to religious pluralism, national unity, and the protection of all faiths.
