The Federal Government has issued a response following US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
Nigeria was first listed as a CPC in December 2020 by the US Department of State, a designation reserved for countries perceived to engage in or tolerate “severe violations of religious freedom.”
On Friday, Trump renewed the designation, alleging that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat.” The Federal Government has since dismissed these claims as inaccurate and misleading, emphasizing Nigeria’s longstanding record of religious coexistence and commitment to peace and security.
“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” — But that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”
“I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me,” he had posted.
Responding on Saturday, the Nigerian government said the allegations do not reflect the realities on the ground.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to religious harmony across the country.
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“Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people.
“Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.”
