The Federal Government has cautioned against spreading false allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria, warning that such narratives...
The Federal Government has cautioned against spreading false allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria, warning that such narratives could destabilize the country and plunge Africa into chaos similar to the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, issued the warning in Berlin, Germany, while responding to recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump, who accused Nigeria of committing genocide against Christians and redesignated the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
Speaking during a meeting with his German counterpart, Johann Wadephul, Tuggar dismissed Trump’s claims as baseless, emphasizing that Nigeria’s constitutional framework makes any form of religious persecution impossible.
“Nigeria is constitutionally committed to religious freedom and the rule of law,” he said. “It is impossible for there to be religious persecution in Nigeria. The government—whether at the federal, regional, or local level—cannot and does not support such a thing.”
The minister stressed that Nigeria’s diversity and democratic institutions ensure protection for all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity. He added that the government remains dedicated to promoting peace, tolerance, and unity among its over 230 million people.
“The laws are clear,” Tuggar continued. “What we are trying to make the world understand is that we should not create another Sudan. We’ve seen what happened there — agitation for partition based on religion and tribe, which only deepened the crisis even after separation.”
Tuggar also highlighted Nigeria’s active role in the African Union’s Peace and Security Council, reaffirming the country’s commitment to resolving conflicts across the continent through diplomacy and regional cooperation.
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