Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), has dismissed claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that Christians are being systematically targeted and killed in Nigeria, describing the allegations as “false, unfair, and inconsistent with reality.”
President Trump had last week accused the Nigerian government of allowing what he termed the “mass slaughter” of Christians and subsequently designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC), a move that has since drawn widespread criticism from Abuja.
In a detailed response posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Keyamo defended Nigeria’s multi-faith character and pointed to President Bola Tinubu’s personal life and leadership choices as proof that the administration does not discriminate against Christians.
“President Tinubu, though a Muslim, is married to a Christian pastor from one of the largest Pentecostal churches in Nigeria.
“Most of his children are practising Christians, and during his time as Governor of Lagos, he often hosted Christian leaders and prayer sessions at the Government House, ” Keyamo wrote.
Keyamo also noted that a majority of the nation’s current security chiefs were Christians, arguing that it would be “unthinkable” for them to support or overlook the persecution of Christians.
The Minister, who is a long-time human rights lawyer, reminded Trump that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and prohibits the adoption of any state religion.
He said the country’s diversity has always been its strength, not a cause for division.
“Nigeria is a secular state. The insecurity we face from insurgency to banditry affects citizens of all faiths.
“It is therefore misleading to single out one religion as the target of violence when both Christians and Muslims have suffered equally from these criminal acts, ” he said.
While acknowledging the severity of the nation’s security challenges, Keyamo said the problems “predate the Tinubu administration” and are being confronted head-on.
He cited the President’s ongoing investments in the military and renewed regional cooperation as evidence of progress in tackling insurgency and banditry.
The minister appealed to the international community, particularly the United States, to adopt a balanced and informed approach when assessing Nigeria’s internal affairs.
“Our President has shown tolerance, inclusion, and moderation in both word and deed. His record speaks louder than political propaganda,” Keyamo added.
Trump’s comments last week in which he described Christianity as facing “an existential threat” in Nigeria, have triggered a series of strong reactions from Nigerian leaders, including Minister of Information Mohammed Idris, who urged Washington to show “understanding” of Nigeria’s complex realities.
The Federal Government maintained that its military campaigns have made significant progress against terrorist groups, while security operations continue nationwide to protect communities of all faiths.
