The Federal Government has said the recent diplomatic disagreement with the United States over claims of religious violence in Nigeria has been largely resolved.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this on Monday during a year-end news conference in Abuja.
According to him, Nigeria and the United States have moved past the tension through dialogue and mutual respect.
“The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria,” Idris said.
The disagreement followed comments by United States President Donald Trump in October and November, where he alleged that Christians in Nigeria were facing an “existential threat” and described the situation as “genocide”.
Trump’s remarks generated mixed reactions, with some welcoming international attention on insecurity in Nigeria, while others warned that such statements could worsen religious tensions in the country.
Nigeria’s government has consistently rejected the claim that violence in the country is targeted at Christians or driven mainly by religion.
Independent analysts have also argued that Nigeria’s security challenges are complex and should not be reduced to religious persecution, a narrative often promoted by some foreign groups and Nigerian separatists lobbying abroad.
Idris said the government’s position was clearly presented during engagements with the United States, including a recent visit by a US congressional delegation to Nigeria earlier this month.
Despite the improved relations, Nigeria remains on Washington’s list of countries of particular concern over alleged violations of religious freedom.
Last week, Nigeria was also affected by new visa and immigration restrictions announced by the Trump administration.
However, signs of closer security cooperation have emerged, with analysts noting an increase in US reconnaissance flights over areas known to harbour jihadist groups.
Nigeria continues to battle multiple security crises across the country.
In the northeast, the country is dealing with a long-running jihadist insurgency, while armed bandit groups in the northwest carry out village attacks and kidnappings for ransom.
In the central region, clashes between mostly Muslim herders and largely Christian farming communities persist, though experts say the violence is largely linked to competition over land and resources, not religion.
Idris also defended a recent aid agreement under which the United States will provide 2.1 billion dollars to Nigeria.
The US State Department had said the deal places strong emphasis on supporting Christian faith-based health care providers.
Reacting to concerns, Idris said the assistance would benefit all Nigerians.
“Every Nigerian is going to be a beneficiary of this arrangement,” he said.
