The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected comments made by a group of United States congressmen alleging that religious persecution is taking place in the country.
The government described the claims as inaccurate and politically motivated, saying they misrepresent the situation on the ground and do not reflect Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to freedom of worship for all citizens.
Officials said Nigeria remains a secular state where people of different faiths live and worship peacefully, and added that incidents of violence involving individuals or groups should not be labelled as state-sponsored persecution.
They urged foreign lawmakers to base their statements on verified facts and engage with Nigerian authorities diplomatically before making public assertions that could harm bilateral relations.
The response from the federal government stressed the importance of respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and the complexity of security challenges in various parts of the country, noting that law enforcement actions are focused on protecting citizens rather than targeting religious groups.
The government also reiterated its commitment to promoting interfaith harmony and addressing communal conflicts through dialogue and inclusive policies.
In rejecting the stance of the US congressmen, Nigeria reaffirmed its dedication to upholding human rights and called for cooperation with international partners to tackle issues of extremism, violence, and intolerance without casting broad accusations that overlook local realities.
