The Nigerian government has strongly refuted claims by the United States that Christians are being deliberately targeted in the country, calling the allegations misleading and potentially harmful to national unity.
In a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa dismissed the accusations as attempts to pressure foreign governments—particularly the US—into designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over religious freedom issues.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, the ministry maintained that attacks by insurgents and criminal groups are not religiously motivated but are instead linked to terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts.
“Nigeria is a multiethnic, multireligious nation with a long history of peaceful coexistence. The government remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or gender,” the statement read.
The government attributed conflicts—especially those between farmers and herders—to climate change, land disputes, and resource competition rather than systematic religious persecution. It highlighted ongoing security operations and new policies, such as the establishment of a Ministry of Livestock Development, to address the root causes of conflicts.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has deployed security forces, enhanced intelligence operations, and engaged communities in peace-building efforts to curb violence. The government also urged international organizations and the media to verify claims before making statements that could inflame tensions.
“Nigeria remains a beacon of religious tolerance in Africa,” the ministry emphasized, adding that while the government welcomes constructive dialogue, it will not accept distorted narratives that threaten national stability.
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