The Federal Government has rejected claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the country has no policy targeting any fait...
The Federal Government has rejected claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the country has no policy targeting any faith group.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this while reacting to a report submitted to President Donald Trump by members of the United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs.
The report, which followed months of investigations and on-the-ground assessments, detailed alleged persecution of Christians and broader extremist violence in parts of Nigeria. Its submission came after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and directed Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to spearhead a congressional probe into alleged religious persecution and terrorism-related violence in the country.
Moore, in a statement posted on his official X account, described the meeting at the White House as the culmination of extensive bipartisan efforts. He said the engagements offered a clearer understanding of insecurity and the challenges facing Christian communities in some regions of Nigeria.
Responding, Idris said the Federal Government had taken note of the statements and recommendations contained in the joint report but maintained that the violence in Nigeria is not driven by religious bias or government policy.
“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 Nigeria “does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” noting that the insecurity confronting the nation stems from complex threats such as terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions.
The minister also emphasised that the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, adding that the government remains committed to upholding these rights and ensuring equal protection under the law.
Idris reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its longstanding strategic partnership with the United States, saying both countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development and regional stability.
“We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty,” he said, adding that the Federal Government would continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while focusing on its primary responsibility of protecting all Nigerians.
Despite Nigeria’s position, US officials have maintained their concerns as outlined in the congressional report.
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