The Federal Government has dismissed fresh allegations of genocide and religious persecution against Christians in Nigeria.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made the clarification while reacting to a report on religious persecution submitted to US President Donald Trump by Congressman Riley Moore.
The report, filed by the United States House Committee on Appropriations and the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, followed months of investigation in Nigeria. It highlighted alleged persecution of Christians and broader extremist violence targeting followers of Jesus Christ.
In a statement, Idris firmly denied the claims, stressing that Nigeria has never adopted a policy of religious persecution.
“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” the minister said.
He explained that the security challenges facing the country are not motivated by religious bias or government policy but stem from complex issues such as terrorism, organized crime, and longstanding communal conflicts.
The minister also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to its diplomatic ties with the United States, describing the relationship as longstanding and strategic.
According to him, both countries share mutual interests in advancing security, economic growth, and regional stability. He added that Nigeria remains open to constructive engagement anchored on mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of its constitutional framework and sovereignty.
