The Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly dismissed comments made by U.S President Donald Trump accusing Nigeria of large-scale persecution of Christians and designating the nation as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC).
In a statement issued on Saturday, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said the U.S president’s remarks do not accurately reflect the realities in Nigeria.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging mass killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for its designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the ministry said.
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have for generations lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully.”
The statement added that while Nigeria appreciates the international community’s concern about human rights and religious freedom, the allegations made by President Trump were “inaccurate and misleading.”
Ebienfa emphasized that under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership, the Nigerian government remains committed to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights and lives of all citizens regardless of religion.
The government also noted that it would continue to engage constructively with the United States to enhance mutual understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges and peacebuilding initiatives.
President Trump, in a Truth Social post on Friday, later shared on the White House’s official X handle, announced that Nigeria had been placed on the U.S list of “Countries of Particular Concern,” citing what he described as an “existential threat” to Christianity in the country.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump wrote.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’, but that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are being slaughtered as is happening in Nigeria, something must be done.”
He further urged members of Congress to act swiftly.
“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,” Trump said.
“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and elsewhere. We stand ready, willing, and able to defend our great Christian population around the world.”
Meanwhile, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs also called for enhanced protection of vulnerable groups and stronger accountability measures to address violence across Nigeria.
