Federal Government has dismissed recent comments by the United States President, Donald Trump alleging widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, the government described the remarks as “inaccurate and inconsistent with realities on the ground,” emphasizing that Nigerians of all faiths continue to coexist peacefully despite security challenges.
The Ministry’s Spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said Nigeria values global advocacy for human rights and religious freedom but insists that such claims must be based on verified facts.
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground,” Ebienfa stated. “Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.”
He added that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the government has intensified efforts to combat terrorism, promote interfaith harmony, and protect the rights and safety of all citizens.
“President Tinubu’s administration remains fully committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and ensuring that the lives and freedoms of all Nigerians — Christians, Muslims, and others — are safeguarded,” he said.
The statement further noted that Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to promote mutual understanding of the country’s internal dynamics and regional security realities.
“Nigeria will continue to engage with the U.S. in a spirit of partnership and dialogue to deepen understanding of our ongoing peacebuilding and counterterrorism efforts,” the Ministry assured.
Observers say the remarks by the former U.S. president have drawn criticism from diplomatic circles, with many urging caution against statements that could misrepresent Nigeria’s complex security challenges or inflame religious sensitivities.
Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation with a nearly even mix of Christians and Muslims, has faced sporadic violent attacks from extremist groups over the past decade. However, government officials maintain that such violence is rooted more in terrorism and criminality than in religious persecution.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a multi-religious, multi-ethnic democracy, committed to upholding peace, justice, and equality for all citizens.
RN
