The Federal Government has pushed back against remarks linking Nigeria to large-scale persecution of Christians.
The response came after former US President Donald Trump claimed that Christianity is under severe threat in the country and called for Nigeria to be labelled a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the comments, saying they 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 claim of mass killings “does not reflect the situation on the ground.”
Officials insisted that religious freedom remains protected across the nation, stressing that worshippers practice openly without government interference.
The statement added that “the Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by the 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.”
It further noted that the Tinubu administration continues to tackle terror threats, encourage 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 ministry stated.
The government also expressed readiness to maintain active diplomatic engagement with Washington. It said the goal is to ensure better understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and ongoing peace-building efforts, rather than rely on “misleading narratives.”
Trump had earlier described the situation as an “existential threat” against Christians. He suggested thousands had been killed and supported renewed pressure on the US government to designate Nigeria as a CPC; a status reserved for countries accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
Supporters of Trump and some US lawmakers have in recent weeks amplified claims that the Nigerian government is enabling “persecution of Christians,” urging sanctions against Abuja.
Nigeria previously appeared on the CPC list in 2020 during Trump’s first tenure, before being removed. Saturday’s comments mark renewed controversy on the subject.
Recall that in 2020, similar allegations triggered a diplomatic row after the US government placed Nigeria on the CPC list for the first time, a move that Abuja strongly rejected at the time.
