The Federal Government has dismissed recent remarks linking Nigeria to large-scale persecution of Christians, describing them as inaccurate and misleading.
The response follows comments by US President Donald Trump, who claimed that Christianity is under severe threat in Nigeria and called for the country to be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the claims do not reflect the reality of religious coexistence in Nigeria. According to the ministry, Nigerians “of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” and the assertion of mass killings “does not reflect the situation on the ground.”
Officials emphasized that religious freedom is protected across the country, with worshippers able to practice openly without government interference. The statement added that “the Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’”
The ministry highlighted that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the government continues to address terror threats, promote peaceful coexistence, and strengthen community dialogue.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the statement read.
The government also expressed its readiness to maintain active diplomatic engagement with Washington to ensure a proper understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and ongoing peace-building initiatives, rather than rely on “misleading narratives.”
Trump had earlier described the situation in Nigeria as an “existential threat” to Christians, claiming thousands had been killed, and advocated for renewed pressure on the US government to designate Nigeria as a CPC—a status reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
Supporters of Trump and some US lawmakers have amplified these claims in recent weeks, urging sanctions against Abuja. Nigeria was previously placed on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s first term before being removed, and Saturday’s remarks have reignited the controversy.
In 2020, similar allegations had triggered a diplomatic row after the US designated Nigeria a CPC for the first time, a move that the Nigerian government strongly rejected.
