The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected claims by members of the United States Congress alleging religious persecution in the country, insisting that Nigeria has no policy targeting any faith group.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated this while responding to a report submitted to Donald Trump by US lawmakers following months of investigations and on-the-ground assessments.

The report, prepared by members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, detailed allegations of persecution of Christians and broader extremist violence in Nigeria. The submission followed the redesignation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by the United States, with Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole leading a congressional probe into the claims.

Moore, in a statement on his official X account, said the submission to the White House marked the culmination of extensive bipartisan engagements, which he said provided a clearer picture of insecurity and challenges faced by Christian communities in parts of Nigeria.

However, Idris dismissed the allegations, stressing that the Nigerian government neither promotes nor condones religious persecution. He reiterated that insecurity in the country affects citizens across religious, ethnic and regional lines.

In a formal statement, the minister acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, including terrorism, banditry and communal conflicts, which have led to tragic loss of lives and property. He said the Federal Government sympathises with all victims, regardless of faith or background.

“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution,” Idris said. “The violence being confronted by our security agencies is driven by complex security threats such as terrorism, organised criminality and longstanding communal tensions, not by government policy or religious bias.”

He emphasised that Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship, noting that the Federal Government remains firmly committed to upholding these rights and ensuring equal protection under the law for all citizens.

Idris also reaffirmed Nigeria’s strategic partnership with the United States, saying both countries share common interests in security, economic development and regional stability. He added that Nigeria remains open to constructive dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect, sovereignty and its constitutional framework.

“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels, while remaining focused on its primary responsibility—the protection of all Nigerians,” he said.