The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected U.S. President Donald J. Trump’s claim that Christianity is facing an existential threat in the country, describing the comments as inaccurate and not reflective of Nigeria’s true security and religious situation.
Trump had on Friday announced that he was redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)”, alleging that “radical Islamists” were behind widespread killings of Christians.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’—but that is the least of it,” Trump said in a statement.
“When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done! I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me.”
The U.S. leader’s remarks mark the second time Nigeria has been placed on the CPC list, following a similar designation in December 2020 by the U.S. Department of State during his earlier administration.
Nigeria Dismisses Claim as Misleading
Reacting to the statement, the Federal Government, in a release issued on Saturday in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said Trump’s assertions were “misleading and inconsistent with the realities on the ground.”
“Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the statement read.
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.”
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Harmony
The statement emphasized that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains dedicated to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens regardless of their religion or ethnicity.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria remains committed to fighting terrorism, strengthening interfaith harmony, and protecting the lives and rights of all its people,” the government said.
Ebienfa added that Nigeria would continue diplomatic engagement with the U.S. government to foster better understanding of its domestic security challenges and efforts at promoting peace.
“Nigeria will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts,” he said.
Background and Reactions
The “Country of Particular Concern” label is a U.S. government classification for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom. While the designation carries potential diplomatic implications, Nigerian authorities have repeatedly argued that the country’s conflicts are driven by criminal and political factors, not religious persecution.
Analysts say Trump’s latest comments could strain diplomatic relations between Abuja and Washington, even as Nigeria continues to project itself as a multi-faith, tolerant democracy.