The Federal Government has rejected claims by United States President Donald Trump alleging widespread targeting of Christians in Nigeria and designating the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued on Saturday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the allegations as misleading and not reflective of Nigeria’s reality.
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground,” the statement said.
“Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.”
The Federal Government acknowledged the importance of global advocacy for religious freedom but insisted that Trump’s remarks exaggerated the situation.
According to the ministry, under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to tackling terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights of all citizens, regardless of religion.
“Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith cooperation and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the statement added.
Trump, in a message shared on his Truth Social platform and later via the White House’s official X handle, claimed there was an “existential threat” to Christianity in Nigeria.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump stated.
“Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”
He urged members of the US Congress to initiate immediate diplomatic action, adding that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening.”
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, also dismissed suggestions that Christians were being singled out for attacks.
Speaking in an interview with CNN earlier in the week, Idris argued that violent groups in Nigeria target both Christians and Muslims.
“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion,” Idris said.
“They also target Muslims. This has been evident especially in the northern part of the country.”
Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, called for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and clearer accountability in handling violent attacks across Nigeria.
The committee urged the government to strengthen justice systems and ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted.
