The Federal Government has fired back at US President Donald Trump over his recent decision to label Nigeria a "Country of Particular Concern" for religious freedom.

Trump made the announcement on Friday, October 31, claiming that Christians in Nigeria face what he called an "existential threat." According to him, thousands of Christians are being killed by radical Islamists.

"Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed," Trump wrote on social media. He put the figure at 3,100 deaths in Nigeria compared to 4,476 worldwide.

The US president didn't stop there. He directed Congressman Riley Moore and the House Appropriations Committee to investigate the matter immediately.

This isn't the first time Nigeria has received this tag. Back in December 2020, the US State Department also designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Government Says Trump Got It Wrong

But Abuja isn't having any of it. In a statement released on Saturday, November 1, the Federal Government said Trump's claims don't match what's actually happening in Nigeria.

Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, who speaks for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the government's position clear.

"While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground," the statement read.

According to the government, Nigerians from different religious backgrounds have always lived together peacefully. They work together, worship freely, and coexist without the kind of widespread religious violence Trump described.

The statement emphasized that President Bola Tinubu's administration is serious about tackling terrorism and promoting peace between different faith groups.

"Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people," the government added.

Despite rejecting Trump's characterization, the Federal Government said it's ready to work with Washington to help American officials better understand the security situation in Nigeria.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between Nigeria and Western nations over how security challenges in the country are portrayed internationally.