BY EDMOND ODOK –
The Federal Government has alleged that foreign lobbyists are fueling claims of Christian genocide in the country and negatively influencing global perceptions of Nigeria’s security challenges
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who spoke on behalf of the government, told members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday that Nigeria remains a secular democracy where citizens of all faiths are co-existing peacefully.
He said: “Recent external claims suggesting systemic religious persecution in Nigeria are unfounded, inaccurate, and fail to reflect the reality of our pluralistic and tolerant society.
‘’Nigeria’s secular nature remains deeply embedded in both our Constitution and national ethos, guaranteeing freedom of religion and belief to every citizen.”
Insisting that claims of religious persecution in Nigeria were the handiwork of mischief makers and lobbyists, especially those from the United States (US), the Minister said such narratives often stemmed from misinterpretation of isolated incidents, rather than any state-sanctioned discrimination.
Tuggar, who was represented at the Forum by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, said it was important for international observers and partners to engage constructively with verified data and credible local institutions before drawing conclusions about Nigeria’s internal affairs.
He also said Nigeria remains an inclusive democracy where Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions across all levels, adding that religious diversity continue to strengthen the nation’s unity.
The Minister further drew attention to the crucial roles played by inter-faith bodies like the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC); Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), in fostering dialogue and mutual respect among faith communities across the country.
According to him, “The Nigerian state is secular in both structure and function. Policies and institutions operate without religious bias, ensuring that Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions across all levels.
‘’The recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, based on speculations of religious persecution, is fundamentally misinformed.”
While addressing issues around national security, Tuggar said, “The Tinubu administration has adopted a comprehensive approach, combining military strength, intelligence, diplomacy, and community engagement.
‘’Sustained operations, such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity, have degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed vast territories and facilitated the return of millions of displaced persons.”
He said with Nigeria’s Constitution guaranteeing complete freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, the government will continue to promote inter-faith harmony and national cohesion without any bias.
Also adding his voice to buttress the government’s position, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, wrote to the US President, Donald Trump, refuting claims of targeted killings of Christians in Nigeria.
Keyamo
Keyamo maintained that such accusations do not reflect the current realities in Nigeria and urged the United States (US) to be more circumspect in addressing its recent classification of Nigeria as a designation for Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for its alleged severe violations of religious freedom and persecution of Christians.
The Minister, in the rebuttal posted on his X (formerly Twitter), urged Trump to deepen co-operation with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism, rather than rely on what he described as inaccurate external narratives.
Keyamo, who is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said contrary to the allegations on the global stage, Christians in Nigeria were not specifically targeted for persecution or killing based on their faith.
He further wrote: “It would have been unconscionable for me to serve in any government that targets Christians. It is simply not true that Christians are being specifically targeted in Nigeria for persecution, killings, or harassment on account of their faith.”
The Minister insisted that Nigeria, like many nations, has faced violence from extremist and criminal groups such as Boko Haram, armed herdsmen, and cattle rustlers, adding that these security challenges predated the current administration and had affected citizens of all religious backgrounds.
Noting that President Tinubu, despite being a Muslim, is widely regarded as a moderate leader with strong ties to the Christian community, Keyamo said: “Nigeria is a secular state. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of a state religion.
‘’The insecurity experienced in some regions has affected adherents of all faiths, and the government has never shielded one group at the expense of another,” he said.
“The Nigerian people ask for sincere understanding, cooperation, and open dialogue with your government. We ask that you broaden your sources of information to gain a balanced view of events in Nigeria.”
For him, what is needed at this critical period should revolve around strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries, even as he reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to peace and religious harmony.
Meanwhile, US Senator, Ted Cruz, who is leading the campaign against Christian killings in the country, has vowed to release names of government officials involved in persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
Currently championing the Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025, a bill designed to protect Christians and other religious minorities from widespread persecution in Nigeria, Senator Cruz wrote on his official X handle about pushing legislation to designate Nigeria as a CPC and to impose sanctions on Nigerian officials responsible for religious persecution.
He said, “I’ve been pushing legislation to designate Nigeria a CPC and to impose sanctions on the Nigerian officials responsible.
“Thank you to President Trump for his leadership in imposing the designation, and more broadly, for fighting to stop the murder of Christians in Nigeria.
This is as a member of the US House of Representatives, Riley Moore, on Tuesday, knocked the Chinese government over its reaction to President Trump’s plan to take military action on Nigeria.
Riley cautioned China to refrain from being a busybody as it cannot in anyway dictate America’s foreign policy focus.
