The Federal Government has rejected claims of religious persecution, emphasising that its national legal framework contains no offence of blasphemy.
It noted that public-order laws are religion-neutral, protecting all communities equally.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, who spoke at the briefing of the members of the diplomatic corps on Wednesday in Abuja, stressed that Sharia laws, which exist in some northern states, apply only to Muslims and operate under the oversight of the secular judiciary.
Ahmed noted that Christian and Muslim institutions continue to operate freely, promoting peaceful coexistence.
He said, ‘Nigeria’s national legal framework contains no offence of blasphemy. The existing public-order laws are religion-neutral and protect all communities equally from incitement to violence.
‘Sharia laws, limited to some northern states, apply only to Muslims and remain under the oversight of the secular judiciary. Christian and Muslim institutions operate freely, promoting peaceful coexistence.
‘Nigeria is a resilient and vibrant democracy confronting complex security challenges, not a state of religious persecution. Through its constitution, courts, and security institutions, the Nigerian state remains the primary bulwark against sectarian violence and intolerance.
‘Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its openness to dialogue and cooperation, and constructive engagement, which should remain the standard in the engagement between and among sovereign states in the international system’.
The government expressed concern over what it described as ‘unfounded and disparaging rhetoric over the security situation in the country’.
Ahmed added that it is the government’s firm conviction that the international community will continue on the path of mutual respect and cooperation that fosters peace, prosperity, and harmony.
He stressed the importance of an accurate understanding of Nigeria’s religious and political context, calling it a unique model of religious pluralism within a constitutional democracy.
‘A reassessment grounded in factual accuracy and an appreciation of Nigeria’s unique model of religious pluralism within a constitutional democracy is both warranted and essential for productive international cooperation.
‘Nigeria stands as a beacon of peace, stability, and progress in Africa, committed to protecting its citizens, ensuring peaceful coexistence, and strengthening global partnerships built on truth and mutual respect’, he said.
The government also highlighted its ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu, describing them as transformative.
‘Indeed, more than at any time before, we solicit the understanding, support, and collaboration of well-meaning partners in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government towards economic growth and development and ensuring enhanced peace and security in the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerian, both at home and abroad’, he added.
His comment came after United States President Donald Trump, on 31 October, labelled Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern’, citing alleged threats against Christian communities.
The federal government rejected the US claim, calling it inconsistent with facts and reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to fighting violent extremism, protecting citizens, and upholding religious freedom and inclusiveness.
On 1 November, Trump reportedly warned that if FG continued to ‘allow the killing of Christians’, the US would halt all assistance to Nigeria and could consider military action to eliminate what he described as Islamic terrorist groups.
