Wednesday, February 25 2026 - The Federal Government has reaffirmed that there is no religious persecution in Nigeria, dismissing recent claims contained in a report submitted by some United States lawmakers to President Donald Trump.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made the
government’s position known while reacting to the report submitted by members
of the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs. The document
reportedly followed months of investigations and on-the-ground assessments and
outlined findings on alleged persecution of Christians and extremist violence
in Nigeria.
The development 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 spearhead a
congressional probe into alleged religious persecution and terrorism-related
violence. Moore later confirmed the submission of the report in a statement
posted on his official X account, describing the White House engagement as the
culmination of extensive bipartisan work. He said the discussions provided what
he called a clearer understanding of insecurity and challenges facing Christian
communities in parts of Nigeria.
Responding to the claims, Idris insisted that Nigeria has no
policy that encourages or supports religious persecution. He said the
government had taken note of the statements and recommendations emerging from
engagements within the US Congress.
“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,” the minister 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 the insecurity confronting the country is
not driven by religious bias or state policy. “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 complex
security threats, including terrorism, organized criminality, and longstanding
communal tensions.”
The minister emphasized that Nigeria’s Constitution
guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens and that the
Federal Government remains committed to upholding those protections and
ensuring equal treatment under the law.
He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining
strong relations with the United States. “Nigeria values its longstanding and
strategic partnership with the United States,” he said, adding that the country
remains open to constructive dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect
and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.
Idris concluded that the Federal Government would continue
engaging international partners through diplomatic channels while focusing on
its primary responsibility, protecting all Nigerians.
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