FG Responds to Trump’s Redesignation of Nigeria as ‘Country of Particular Concern’

The Federal Government has responded to the recent redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by United States President Donald Trump, rejecting the basis for the decision and affirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.

President Trump had on Friday reclassified Nigeria as a CPC, citing alleged large-scale killings of Christians and claims of rising religious persecution across the country. A similar designation was made by the U.S. Department of State in December 2020 on grounds that Christianity faced an existential threat in Nigeria.

Reacting to the development, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, said the claims “do not reflect the situation on the ground.”

In a statement issued in Abuja, the government maintained that Nigeria remains a nation where citizens of all faiths coexist peacefully and enjoy freedom of worship.

“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,’” the statement read.

“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.”

Ebienfa stressed that under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Federal Government remains committed to combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and safeguarding the rights and lives of all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity.

“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,” he added.

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