Nigeria Rejects US Congressional Report on Religious Persecution Allegations
The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong rebuttal to a recent report submitted by United States lawmakers that alleged religious persecution within the country. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, categorically stated that Nigeria has no policy supporting or encouraging religious persecution, dismissing the findings as unfounded.
US Congressional Investigation and Report Submission
The controversy stems from a document submitted to President Donald Trump by members of the US House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs. This report followed months of investigations and on-the-ground assessments, focusing on alleged persecution of Christians and extremist violence in Nigeria.
The congressional probe was initiated after President Trump redesignated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, directing Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead the investigation. Moore confirmed the report's submission through his official X account, describing the White House engagement as the culmination of extensive bipartisan work that provided what he called a clearer understanding of insecurity facing Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.
Federal Government's Firm Rejection
In his response, Minister Idris emphasized that while Nigeria acknowledges serious security challenges in some regions, these issues are not driven by religious bias or state policy. "Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution," Idris declared firmly.
The minister outlined the government's position with several key points:
- Nigeria faces complex security threats including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have affected communities across religious and ethnic lines
- The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from criminal acts
- Sympathies are extended to all victims and their families regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region
- The violence confronting security agencies stems from terrorism, organized criminality, and longstanding communal tensions rather than government policy
Constitutional Protections and International Relations
Idris stressed that Nigeria's Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens, and the Federal Government remains committed to upholding these protections while ensuring equal treatment under the law. "The government has taken note of the statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the US Congress," he noted.
Regarding international relations, the minister reiterated Nigeria's commitment to maintaining strong ties with the United States. "Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States," Idris said, adding that the country remains open to constructive dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect and recognition of Nigeria's constitutional framework and sovereignty.
Ongoing Engagement and Security Focus
The minister concluded by stating that the Federal Government would continue engaging international partners through diplomatic channels while focusing on its primary responsibility of protecting all Nigerians. This approach emphasizes domestic security efforts alongside international diplomacy to address concerns raised by foreign partners.
The government's response comes amid ongoing security challenges in various regions of Nigeria, with authorities working to combat multiple threats while maintaining the constitutional rights and protections of all citizens regardless of religious affiliation.
