The Federal Government has dismissed recent remarks by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Christians in Nigeria are facing genocide. The government described his assertions as misleading and not reflective of the current realities in the country.
Trump had, in a post shared on Friday, announced Nigeria’s redesignation as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleging that thousands of Christians were being massacred by what he called “radical Islamists.” He stated that Christianity was under an existential threat in Nigeria and urged U.S. lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman Tom Cole, to investigate the situation and report back to him.
Reacting to his statement, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, rejected Trump’s claims. In a statement signed by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the ministry’s spokesperson, the government insisted that Nigeria’s commitment to peace, unity, and religious tolerance remains firm.
“Nigeria notes the comments by former U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’ While the Federal Government appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, such claims do not represent the true picture of life in Nigeria,” the statement read.
The government emphasized that Nigerians of diverse faiths have coexisted peacefully for decades, working and worshipping side by side across the country. It also reiterated that under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains steadfast in combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the lives and rights of all citizens.
The statement further assured that Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the United States and other international partners to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen ongoing efforts toward lasting peace and security.
