The Federal Government of Nigeria has pushed back against a report by the United States Congress alleging the persecution of Christians in the country, emphasizing that Nigeria maintains constitutional protections for religious freedom.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, clarified in a statement on Tuesday that Nigeria does not implement any policy targeting citizens based on religion.
He attributed recent violence to complex security threats, including terrorism, organized crime, and longstanding communal conflicts.
“The challenges confronting Nigeria are not a reflection of government bias but arise from multifaceted security issues.
“Our Constitution guarantees freedom of worship for all Nigerians, and the government remains committed to upholding these rights, ” Idris said.
The response followed a report submitted to the White House on Monday by the U.S. House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs.
The report, prepared under the direction of President Donald Trump, suggested that Christian communities in Nigeria were facing persecution.
The report also called for potential sanctions, citing the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole, who led the investigation, asserted that their findings gave a clearer picture of the alleged religious targeting and broader security situation in Nigeria.
They encouraged the Nigerian government to leverage the findings to strengthen US–Nigeria relations.
In rebuttal, the Federal Government highlighted ongoing efforts to address insecurity, including humanitarian support for internally displaced persons, initiatives for safe community resettlement, and community-based peacebuilding programs.
Idris emphasised that these measures are designed to promote coexistence and stability across Nigeria’s diverse regions.
The statement reiterated the government’s position that Nigeria remains committed to ensuring equal protection under the law for all citizens, regardless of faith.
“The Federal Government continues to take active steps to safeguard communities, facilitate reconciliation, and strengthen security infrastructure to prevent violence from escalating,” the statement said.
The issue has reignited debates about international perceptions of Nigeria’s security challenges and the role of foreign governments in monitoring human rights and religious freedom.
