Nigeria Rejects Religious Persecution, Genocide Claims, Reaffirms Commitment to Protect All Citizens

The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria is pursuing a policy of religious persecution or genocide, insisting that although the country continues to face serious security challenges, they should not be misrepresented as state-sponsored attacks based on religion or ethnicity.

The position was made known by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Sola Enikanolaiye, during a meeting in Abuja with the United States Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Frank Garcia.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the meeting provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the long-standing strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States across key sectors.

Receiving the U.S. delegation, Enikanolaiye said Nigeria places great importance on its bilateral relationship with Washington and expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen cooperation and strengthen existing ties.

The minister reaffirmed Nigeria's commitment to expanding collaboration in trade and investment, maritime security, counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and regional peace and security.

He noted that both countries have continued to make progress through the Nigeria–United States Joint Working Group and disclosed that preparations are underway for the next bilateral engagement scheduled to take place in Washington, D.C., in August 2026.

Enikanolaiye also outlined measures being taken by the Federal Government to tackle insecurity, including strengthening law enforcement, prosecuting terrorism-related offences, enhancing the protection of vulnerable communities and sustaining efforts to improve security in the Gulf of Guinea and the Lake Chad Basin.

Addressing concerns over reports of religious persecution and genocide, the minister maintained that Nigeria's security challenges should not be interpreted as evidence of a government policy targeting any religious or ethnic group.

He stressed that the Federal Government remains committed to protecting all Nigerians regardless of their faith or ethnic background while continuing to uphold the rule of law.

"Ambassador Enikanolaiye further emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to constructive dialogue on matters of mutual concern, including migration and consular issues. He reaffirmed Nigeria's position that while security challenges exist, they should not be misconstrued as a policy of religious persecution or genocide, stressing that the Government remains firmly committed to protecting all citizens irrespective of religion or ethnicity and to strengthening the rule of law," the ministry's statement said.

In his remarks, Garcia described Nigeria as one of the United States' most important strategic partners in Africa and commended the growing momentum in bilateral relations.

He highlighted expanding cooperation in trade, investment, health, technology, maritime security and counter-terrorism, noting that the engagement aligns with Washington's policy of strengthening commercial partnerships across the African continent.

The U.S. official also praised Nigeria's leadership in improving maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea and acknowledged the country's contributions to regional stability through the Multinational Joint Task Force.

Garcia further expressed appreciation for Nigeria's continued cooperation on migration and security issues, reaffirming the United States commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria's security institutions, promoting stability and expanding economic opportunities.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both countries agreed to sustain regular high-level consultations, deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to resolving outstanding issues through constructive dialogue while advancing the enduring strategic partnership between Nigeria and the United States.