By Muhammad Mamman
The Federal Government has firmly rejected the recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States over alleged religious intolerance, describing the move as ill-informed and inconsistent with the realities on the ground.
In a statement issued in Abuja, the government dismissed as baseless and misleading the claims that Christians in Nigeria are victims of state-sanctioned persecution or genocide. It insisted that the country remains a secular state where freedom of religion and belief are fully guaranteed under the Constitution.
According to the statement, the Nigerian government has continued to promote peaceful coexistence among all religious and ethnic groups, despite the challenges posed by terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts — which it emphasised are driven by criminality and socio-economic factors rather than religious motives.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria strongly objects to this classification. There is no government policy or practice that targets any religion or group for persecution. The narrative of religious genocide is unfounded and does not reflect the realities of our diverse and tolerant society,” the statement read in part.
The government further expressed disappointment that the United States reached its conclusion without a balanced assessment or adequate consultation with Nigerian authorities. It urged the US government to engage constructively with Nigeria on issues of mutual concern rather than relying on reports from biased or non-credible sources.
Reaffirming its commitment to human rights and religious freedom, the Federal Government noted that Nigeria’s multi-faith composition is a source of strength, not division. It also highlighted ongoing efforts by security agencies and community leaders to curb violence and foster national unity.
The statement concluded by calling on international partners to support Nigeria’s fight against terrorism and violent extremism, instead of amplifying narratives that could deepen mistrust among its citizens.
“The Nigerian government remains open to dialogue and cooperation but will not accept any mischaracterisation of its people or policies,” it added.
