The federal government has rejected US President Donald Trump’s move to tag Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over Christian genocide claims.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump said in a Truth Social post on Friday.
The US president blamed radical Islamists for the “mass slaughter”.
In a statement on Saturday, Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs said the claims do not reflect the realities on the ground.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the ministry, said Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
He said while Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations are misleading and contrary to the government’s sustained efforts to promote peace and unity.
“Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.
Ebienfa added that Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the US government to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.
In early September, Ted Cruz, a US senator, proposed a bill seeking to protect “persecuted” Christians in Nigeria.
On September 30, President Bola Tinubu said allegations of religious genocide in Nigeria were unfounded, noting that the country is built on the faith and resilience of its people.
On October 14, the senate set up a 12-member ad hoc committee to develop a comprehensive position paper in response to growing international concerns over alleged state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
