Nigeria has rejected President Donald Trump’s claim that Christians face mass persecution, calling his remarks inaccurate and unfair.
The government said citizens of all faiths coexist peacefully nationwide.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly dismissed the recent comments made by United States President Donald Trump, who described Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged widespread killings of Christians.
In a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said the claims made by President Trump did not reflect the actual situation in the country. The ministry emphasized that Nigerians of different religions have lived and worked together peacefully for decades.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read in part.
The government explained that while it acknowledges the global interest in human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were both inaccurate and unfair to the efforts being made by Nigerian authorities to ensure peace and unity.
It added that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria remains focused on combating terrorism, promoting interfaith cooperation, and protecting the lives and property of all citizens regardless of their religion. The government also stated that it would continue to engage with the United States to foster mutual understanding and collaboration on regional peace and security matters.
President Trump had, on Friday night, announced through his Truth Social account, later reposted on the White House’s X page, that he was classifying Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” He claimed that Christianity faced an existential threat in Nigeria and that thousands of Christians had been killed by extremist groups.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” Trump said in his post, urging Congress to act swiftly on the matter.
He specifically directed Congressman Riley Moore, Chairman Tom Cole, and members of the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the situation and report their findings to him.
In a related development, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a press conference in Abuja earlier in the week, also expressed concerns about violence in parts of the country and urged the Nigerian government to strengthen protection for vulnerable communities while ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to working with international partners to enhance peace, unity, and respect for religious freedom, insisting that Nigeria’s situation should not be misrepresented by external narratives.
