Nigerian Senate Moves to Counter ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative, Plans Engagement with U.S. Lawmakers

The Nigerian Senate is preparing to challenge what it describes as “misleading narratives” portraying ongoing violence in the country as a campaign of “Christian genocide.” The move follows growing international concern and debate, particularly in the United States, over reports of targeted attacks on Christians in Nigeria.

The motion, titled *“Urgent Need to Correct Misconceptions Regarding the Purported ‘Christian Genocide’ Narrative in Nigeria and International Communities,”* was sponsored by Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume (Borno South) and co-sponsored by several others, including Senators Sani Musa (Niger East), Magatakarda Wamako (Sokoto North), Ibrahim Bomai (Yobe South), and Ahmed Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West).

In the motion seen by reporters, Senator Ndume expressed concern over what he described as “increasing circulation of misleading narratives” suggesting an organised genocide against Christians. While acknowledging the suffering of Christian communities affected by violence, he stressed that insecurity in Nigeria affects citizens of all faiths, including Muslims and other groups. He warned that framing the conflict purely in religious terms risks inflaming sectarian divisions and distorting global understanding of Nigeria’s challenges.

The Senate noted that Nigeria’s ongoing insecurity—including terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and communal clashes—has claimed lives among both Christians and Muslims. It expressed concern that certain foreign media outlets and advocacy groups have amplified the “Christian genocide” narrative without adequate verification. Lawmakers reaffirmed that under the 1999 Constitution, the government is obligated to protect all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity.

The motion also raised alarm over reports that some members of the U.S. Congress are pushing to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution, warning that such actions could have diplomatic and economic repercussions.

In its resolutions, the Senate rejected the description of Nigeria’s crisis as a “Christian genocide,” arguing that the violence stems from complex socio-economic, ethnic, and criminal factors rather than religion alone. It called on the Federal Government, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and security agencies, to adopt a data-driven communication strategy, releasing verified casualty figures and reports to counter misinformation.

Lawmakers also urged religious leaders, civil society groups, and the media to exercise caution in their statements and reporting to avoid inflaming tensions. They appealed to international organisations and foreign embassies to rely on credible, verified sources when commenting on Nigeria’s religious situation.

To strengthen public diplomacy, the Senate directed its Committees on Foreign Affairs, Information, and National Security and Intelligence to coordinate with the Executive branch in engaging the U.S. Congress, international partners, and diaspora groups through official briefings and publications aimed at clarifying Nigeria’s realities. It further called for support of interfaith peacebuilding efforts and justice for all victims of violence, regardless of religion or ethnicity.

The move comes amid growing attention from Washington. The U.S. government recently expressed “deep concern” over attacks targeting Christians and other vulnerable groups, following public remarks by American comedian Bill Maher, who accused extremist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP of conducting a systematic genocide. Maher’s comments, made during his HBO show Real Time with Bill Maher, drew widespread attention and were echoed by U.S. Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who criticised Western media for underreporting the crisis.

In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, dismissed claims of a “Christian genocide,” describing them as “false and divisive.” He said terrorist groups in Nigeria target people of all faiths, emphasising that both Muslims and Christians have suffered under the violence.