The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed claims by former U.S. President Donald Trump that Christians are facing an “existential threat” in the country, following his redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC)
Trump’s announcement on Friday echoed a December 2020 designation by the U.S. Department of State. In a statement, Trump alleged that thousands of Christians were being k!lled by radical Islamists and called on U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed… I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘COUNTRY OF PARTICULAR CONCERN,’” he wrote.
Responding on Saturday, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the claims do not reflect the situation on the ground.
“Nigeria notes the recent remarks by U.S. President Donald J. Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’” the statement said.
“While Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, these claims are not an accurate reflection of our reality. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” it added.
The statement reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights and lives of all citizens. Nigeria also pledged to continue constructive engagement with the United States to foster mutual understanding of the country’s security and peace efforts.
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