FG Rejects US Congress Claim On Christian Persecution

The Federal Government has faulted the stance of the United States Congress on what it described as the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this in a statement issued on Tuesday.

“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” the minister said.

Idris maintained that the security challenges facing the country are not rooted in religious bias or government policy.

“The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions,” he added.

On Monday, Naija News reported that the United States House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs submitted a report to the White House outlining findings and recommendations on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

The submission followed President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.

Trump had directed Congressman Riley Moore and Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Tom Cole, to lead an investigation into the reported persecution of Christian communities and broader security challenges in Nigeria.

Moore reportedly said the US team now has a clear understanding of the security threats in Nigeria and the alleged persecution faced by Christians, urging Nigeria to deepen its relationship with the United States.

Responding, the Federal Government emphasised that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship.

“While Nigeria battles insecurity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and freedom of worship for all citizens.

“The Federal Government remains firmly committed to upholding these constitutional protections and to ensuring equal protection under the law,” the statement said.

The government added that efforts are ongoing to improve humanitarian response for internally displaced persons, facilitate the safe return of affected communities and promote community-based peacebuilding initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable coexistence.