Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Government has strongly rejected the United States’ decision to designate Nigeria as a “country of concern” under former President Donald Trump’s renewed policy on global religious freedom and human rights.
In a statement issued late Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as “ill-informed, unjustified, and unacceptable,” insisting that claims of state-sanctioned genocide or religious persecution in Nigeria are “baseless and politically motivated.”
“The Federal Government categorically rejects any insinuation that Nigeria tolerates or promotes religious violence or ethnic cleansing,” the statement said. “We remain committed to protecting the rights and safety of all Nigerians regardless of faith or ethnicity.”
The designation, revived under Trump’s post-administration policy advocacy group, has drawn sharp criticism from Nigerian officials, who argue that it misrepresents the country’s complex security challenges.
Human rights observers say the decision could strain U.S.–Nigeria relations, particularly at a time when both nations are deepening security and economic cooperation.
Washington has not yet responded to Abuja’s protest, but U.S. officials have previously cited ongoing sectarian violence and alleged impunity for religiously motivated attacks as reasons for concern.
Nigeria maintains that it continues to work with international partners to address extremism, terrorism, and intercommunal conflicts through dialogue and reform.
“Nigeria should be supported, not stigmatized,” the government’s statement added, calling on the U.S. to “reconsider its designation in the spirit of partnership and mutual respect.”
