The Federal Government has issued a strong rebuttal against a growing international narrative that characterizes Nigeria as a nation that violates religious freedom. The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has labeled these claims as not only false but also dangerously divisive.
A Firm Rejection of Harmful Narratives
Speaking at an event in Abuja on 28 November 2025 to mark the 25th anniversary of ActionAid Nigeria, Minister Idris addressed what he described as a “growing and disturbing mischaracterisation” of the country. He explicitly stated that branding Nigeria as a violator of religious freedom is inaccurate, unhelpful, and very hurtful.
Idris cautioned that these damaging narratives are being circulated internationally, with some even alleging that the government is providing support to terrorists and criminal elements. He insisted that such stories are designed to sow discord and division among the Nigerian populace. “These narratives are helping those who do not wish Nigeria well to push us toward a destination where Muslims and Christians do not live in harmony,” the Minister declared.
Call for Unity Against Real Enemies
The Minister redirected the focus to the nation's actual adversaries. He stressed that the real enemies of Nigeria are terrorists, criminals, and bandits who have deliberately chosen to pit citizens against one another. According to Idris, these elements are actively working to deny Nigerians the unity required to build a stable and prosperous nation.
During the anniversary celebration, Idris also took the opportunity to commend ActionAid Nigeria for its 25 years of “action, service, and transformative work” across the country. He praised the organization's significant contributions in several key areas:
- Women empowerment
- Education and healthcare support
- Governance reforms
- Humanitarian response
As a highlight of the event, the Minister launched the ActionAid Nigeria 25 Years Legacy Book and unveiled the prototype for the organization's proposed new building. He described these initiatives as a strong testament to ActionAid's long-term commitment to Nigeria. Furthermore, he urged civil society organizations, including ActionAid, to actively participate in fostering national cohesion and countering misleading narratives about the country's rich diversity.
Contrasting Perspectives on National Challenges
Also present at the event was the former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, who offered a more somber assessment of the nation's current state. Obi warned that Nigeria is slipping deeper into hardship and social distress, pointing to rising rights violations and a growing drug abuse crisis as issues demanding urgent national attention.
He called upon civil society organizations and development partners to intensify, rather than slow down, their interventions. “The country cannot afford complacency,” Obi insisted, urging groups like ActionAid to scale up their work in advocacy, empowerment, and social protection in the face of Nigeria's worsening socio-economic indicators.
Adding to this, the Country Director of ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu, outlined the shifting context of poverty and inequality, exacerbated by economic shocks and climate threats. He acknowledged the severe challenges, stating, “We are faced with issues of inequality. We are faced with multidimensional poverty. We are faced with drug abuse, child abuse.”
Despite these daunting issues, Mamedu expressed optimism, noting that women and young people are increasingly at the forefront of movements for change. He assured that ActionAid remains firmly committed to its mission of tackling poverty, inequality, and exclusion through citizen-driven initiatives.
