The Federal Government has reaffirmed that there is no religious persecution in Nigeria, dismissing recent claims contained in a report submitted by some United States lawmakers to President Donald Trump.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made the government’s position known while reacting to the report submitted by members of the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs. The document reportedly followed months of investigations and on-the-ground assessments and outlined findings on alleged persecution of Christians and extremist violence in Nigeria.
The development came after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to spearhead a congressional probe into alleged religious persecution and terrorism-related violence. Moore later confirmed the submission of the report in a statement posted on his official X account, describing the White House engagement as the culmination of extensive bipartisan work. He said the discussions provided what he called a clearer understanding of insecurity and challenges facing Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.
Responding to the claims, Idris insisted that Nigeria has no policy that encourages or supports religious persecution. He said the government had taken note of the statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the US Congress.
"Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities,” the minister said. “The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region."
He stressed that the insecurity confronting the country is not driven by religious bias or state policy. “It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” Idris said. “The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.”
The minister emphasised that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens and that the Federal Government remains committed to upholding those protections and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining strong relations with the United States. “Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States,” he said, adding that the country remains open to constructive dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.
Idris concluded that the Federal Government would continue engaging international partners through diplomatic channels while focusing on its primary responsibility, protecting all Nigerians.
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