NIDCOM Chair Rejects U.S. Claim of Christian Persecution in Nigeria

The Chairperson of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has dismissed the decision of the United States government to list Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution

Reacting in a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, Dabiri-Erewa described the classification as misleading and urged former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently accused Nigeria of allowing widespread killings of Christians, to support counter-terrorism efforts instead of amplifying what she called “false narratives.”

According to her, the Nigerian government has officially responded through both President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirming that the country remains committed to religious freedom and constitutional rights for all faith groups.

“There is no state policy in Nigeria that targets any religion,” she wrote, insisting that ongoing violence in parts of the country is driven by terrorism and crime, not faith-based persecution. She called for unity among Nigerians at home and abroad, stressing that national cohesion is stronger than any external labelling.

Her remarks followed Trump’s weekend comments on his Truth Social platform, where he warned that the U.S. could halt aid to Nigeria or “go in guns blazing” if alleged attacks on Christians continue. The statement drew criticism across diplomatic and religious circles in Nigeria.

President Tinubu has already responded publicly, stating that Nigeria is a multi-faith democracy governed by a constitution that guarantees religious liberty. He described attempts to brand the country as hostile to Christians as “inaccurate and detached from reality.”

Tinubu also noted that his administration maintains open engagement with leaders of both Christian and Muslim communities while tackling security threats nationwide.