The Federal Government has dismissed US President Donald Trump’s recent comments designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, insisting the claims do not reflect reality.
In a statement on Saturday, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa said the Nigerian government strongly disagreed with Trump’s remarks, describing them as inaccurate and unrepresentative of the country’s religious climate.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the statement read.
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” it added.
While acknowledging international concern over human rights and religious freedom, the ministry maintained that Nigeria “remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people” under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
It also noted that the government would “continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.”
BREAKING: Trump designates Nigeria as ‘country of particular concern’ over alleged Christian genocide
Donald Trump in the White House. Photograph: Nathan Howard/Reuters
Trump had, on Friday night, announced via his Truth Social platform — in a message later shared on the White House’s official X account — that Nigeria had been placed on the list of countries “of particular concern,” citing what he called an existential threat to Christianity.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump declared.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it,” he added.
Backing his statement with figures, Trump said, “When Christians, or any such group, is slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 Worldwide), something must be done!”
He also called on lawmakers to act, saying, “I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter, and report back to me.”
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world!” Trump said.