The Federal Government has denied claims of religious persecution in Nigeria following a report by US lawmakers.
The Federal Government has firmly rejected allegations that it is silent while religious groups are being targeted.
This response comes after some United States lawmakers submitted a report to President Donald Trump, claiming that Christians in Nigeria are facing systematic persecution.
Information Minister, Mohammed Idris, made the government’s position clear on Tuesday. He explained that there is no official policy in Nigeria that supports or encourages the ill-treatment of any religious group.
The controversy started after President Trump labeled Nigeria as a "Country of Particular Concern." He directed a team of US congressmen to investigate reports of terrorism and violence against religious communities. The resulting report suggested that the Nigerian government was not doing enough to protect specific faiths.
However, Idris argued that the security issues in Nigeria are much more complex. He noted that while it is true that many parts of the country are struggling with banditry and terrorism, these criminals do not pick their victims based on religion.
"The violence is driven by organized crime and communal tensions, not by government policy," the Minister stated.
He expressed deep sympathy for all victims of insecurity, regardless of whether they are Christians or Muslims.
Idris also reminded the international community that the Nigerian Constitution strictly protects the right of every citizen to worship freely.
He insisted that the government remains committed to treating everyone equally under the law.
While Nigeria values its partnership with the United States, the Minister emphasized that such discussions must be based on mutual respect and the truth of what is happening on the ground.
He concluded that the government's main priority remains the protection of all Nigerians from criminal elements.
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