The Federal Government has dismissed recent claims by some United States lawmakers alleging widespread religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting that the country has no policy that promotes or supports such actions.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made this known while reacting to a report reportedly submitted by members of the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs to President Donald Trump. The document followed months of investigations and on-the-ground assessments and outlined findings on alleged persecution of Christians and extremist violence in parts of Nigeria.
The report came after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and directed Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead a congressional probe into claims of religious persecution and terrorism-related violence. Moore later confirmed the submission of the report in a statement on his official X account, describing the engagement with the White House as the culmination of extensive bipartisan efforts. He said the discussions provided what he termed a clearer understanding of insecurity and the challenges facing Christian communities in certain regions of Nigeria.
Responding, Idris maintained that while Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges, these are not rooted in 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,” he 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 violence in the country is driven by complex security threats rather than state-sponsored religious targeting.
“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” Idris said. “The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.”
The minister further noted that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens and that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting these rights and ensuring equal treatment under the law.
Idris also reaffirmed Nigeria’s desire to sustain strong diplomatic ties with the United States, describing the relationship as longstanding and strategic. He added that Nigeria remains open to constructive dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect, constitutional principles, and national sovereignty.
He concluded that the Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through diplomatic channels while prioritising its core responsibility of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians.
