The Nigerian Federal Government has provided clarification on why President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has not yet visited the United States to meet with President Donald Trump amid ongoing diplomatic tensions between both nations.
Diplomatic Tensions Over Religious Freedom Designation
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated during an interview on Channels Television's Politics Today on Friday, November 21, 2025, that President Tinubu will visit the United States when the situation is right for him. This statement comes amid significant diplomatic strain following President Trump's recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to alleged Christian genocide.
The minister emphasized that President Tinubu has previously visited the United States, noting I was with him at the UN when he took office. However, the current diplomatic climate has complicated scheduling for a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.
Nigerian Public Reaction and Concerns
The explanation from the Federal Government has generated mixed reactions among Nigerian citizens on social media platforms. Many expressed skepticism about the government's position, with some suggesting that the president might be avoiding a direct confrontation with his American counterpart.
One social media user @Gamastweet commented BAT visit trump ke!!! make he dey speak him mumu idioms, while @pebuzor noted Issue here is that this man is highly economical with the truth. Another user @VicVic57694 speculated that Tinubu might be hesitant to appoint an ambassador to America to avoid circumstances that would necessitate face-to-face conversations with President Trump.
Ongoing Diplomatic Efforts and Congressional Investigation
Meanwhile, a Nigerian government delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu has already engaged with US officials regarding the religious persecution allegations. The delegation met with US Congressman Riley M. Moore on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, to discuss the ongoing terrorist threats and persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
The United States House Subcommittee on Africa has begun preparations for a public hearing to review President Trump's redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern. Witnesses including top US officials and religious leaders are scheduled to testify before lawmakers about alleged targeted attacks on Christian communities across Nigeria.
President Tinubu has consistently rejected President Trump's claims of widespread Christian persecution, maintaining that Nigeria upholds constitutional guarantees of religious freedom for all citizens. The Nigerian government continues to engage with international partners to address security challenges while defending the nation's commitment to religious tolerance.
