The Federal Government has responded to a joint report submitted to the White House by the United States House Foreign Affairs Committee and the United States House Appropriations Committee. The report raised concerns about alleged Christian persecution and security developments in Nigeria.
In a statement, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government has taken note of the concerns expressed by the US lawmakers.
He acknowledged that parts of the country are facing serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts.
Idris said the government is deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property caused by criminal activities and sympathizes with victims and their families, regardless of religion, ethnicity or region.
He stressed that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution.
According to him, the violence being tackled by security agencies is driven by complex threats such as terrorism, organized crime and longstanding communal tensions, not by religious bias or government policy.
He added that the Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship for all citizens and assured that the government remains committed to protecting those rights.
The minister said Nigeria will continue to engage its international partners through diplomatic channels while focusing on its responsibility to safeguard all Nigerians.
