The Federal Government has again forcefully rejected accusations from United States of America congressmen that it tolerates religious persecution, insisting that violence in the country stems from terrorism and banditry rather than state policy.
In a statement on Tuesday, Information Minister Mohammed Idris addressed a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria, submitted to the White House on Monday by the US House Foreign Affairs and Appropriations committees.
The US government had conceded that parts of Nigeria face “serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts” that have claimed many lives.
American lawmakers extended sympathies to all victims “regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region”.
But, the Information Minister dismissed any suggestion of religious bias at the government level.
“Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” the statement said, blaming the crises on “complex threats such as terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions”.
Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion, officials stressed, with the government committed to equal protection for all.
To combat insecurity, it has ramped up military operations, degraded terrorist networks, arrested criminals, and deployed forest guards to bandit hideouts.
Investments in equipment and technology are bolstering the armed forces, alongside aid for displaced people and peacebuilding efforts.
The Federal Government noted its close ties with the US, welcoming “constructive dialogue” based on “mutual respect” and Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Minister Idris has promised that Nigeria continue engaging partners through diplomatic channels while prioritising the safety of all citizens.
