FG Rejects Trump’s ‘Country of Particular Concern’ Label on Nigeria

The Federal Government has dismissed remarks by United States President Donald Trump alleging widespread persecution of Christians in Nigeria and designating the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement released on Saturday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government said Trump’s claims did not reflect the true situation in Nigeria. “Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read, adding that the allegations were inaccurate and unrepresentative of the nation’s religious coexistence.

The ministry noted that while Nigeria appreciates international concern for human rights and religious freedom, the assertion of mass killings of Christians is misleading. Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the statement continued, Nigeria remains committed to combating terrorism, fostering interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

The government reaffirmed its intention to continue engaging constructively with the United States to promote mutual understanding and cooperation on regional peace and security.

Trump, in a Truth Social post shared on the White House’s X handle on Friday night, claimed that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria, citing alleged large-scale killings of Christians. He declared the country a “Country of Particular Concern” and urged members of Congress to investigate the situation.

The post followed earlier calls by US lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore, who urged Washington to suspend arms sales to Nigeria and take action against what he described as the “systematic persecution” of Christians.

However, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking to CNN earlier in the week, refuted claims that terrorists in the country specifically target Christians. “Some of the claims made by US officials are based on faulty data and assumptions,” he said. “These criminals attack both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern part of the country.”

Meanwhile, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, called for stronger protection of vulnerable communities and greater accountability in tackling violence nationwide.