By Favour Ulebor, Abuja
The Federal Government has dismissed recent external claims of systemic religious persecution in Nigeria, describing them as unfounded and misrepresentative of the country’s pluralistic and tolerant society.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, made this known on Wednesday while briefing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja. He was represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed.
According to Tuggar, Nigeria remains a secular democracy where citizens of all faiths coexist peacefully, and where constitutional guarantees ensure freedom of religion and belief.
“Recent external claims suggesting systemic religious persecution in Nigeria are unfounded, inaccurate, and fail to reflect the reality of our pluralistic and tolerant society,” Tuggar said. “Nigeria’s secular nature remains deeply embedded in both our Constitution and national ethos.”
He explained that such allegations often arise from misinterpretations of isolated incidents rather than any form of state-sanctioned discrimination.
The Minister urged international observers and partners to rely on verified data and credible local institutions before drawing conclusions about Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
Tuggar reaffirmed that Nigeria remains an inclusive democracy where Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions at all levels of government, noting that the country’s religious diversity is a source of national strength.
He also highlighted the roles played by interfaith organisations such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) in promoting dialogue and mutual respect among religious communities.
“The Nigerian state is secular in both structure and function,” he said. “Policies and institutions operate without religious bias. The recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern based on speculations of religious persecution is fundamentally misinformed.”
On national security, Tuggar said the Tinubu administration is implementing a comprehensive strategy that integrates military operations, intelligence, diplomacy, and community-led initiatives.
He cited sustained operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity, noting that they have significantly degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed territories, and facilitated the return of millions of displaced persons.
The Minister reiterated that Nigeria’s Constitution fully guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, and assured that the government remains committed to strengthening interfaith harmony and national cohesion.
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