The Federal Government has reacted to the reclassification of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by United States President Donald Trump.
In December 2020, the U.S. Department of State had first designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
On Friday, Trump made a similar declaration, alleging that Christianity was under existential threat in Nigeria.
“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. When Christians, or any such group, is 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,” he had written.
However, responding in a statement on Saturday, Nigeria said the allegations do not represent the actual situation in the country.
In a statement issued in Abuja by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining religious harmony nationwide.
“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.”
“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.
“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.
“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.”
