Nigeria opens diplomatic channels with US on religious freedom concerns

From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

The federal government on Thursday announced the initiation of diplomatic dialogues with the United States following Washington’s recent classification of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” regarding religious freedom.

Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris made this disclosure while briefing State House Correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting chaired by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He explained that the issue was discussed exhaustively during the FEC meeting and assured that the government was addressing “genuine concerns” raised by the US, while upholding Nigeria’s dignity and stability.

“Yes, indeed, that came up during deliberations at the Federal Executive Council meeting. The government of Nigeria is responding to the genuine concerns raised. The politics of it aside, we genuinely are taking the issues seriously,” he affirmed.

The minister clarified that the administration remains composed and focused on effectively tackling security and religious freedom challenges.

“Let me say that the government of Nigeria is really very stable. The President is calm, and the Federal Executive Council members are indeed very calm. Are there issues of security in this country? Yes. Are people being killed in parts of this country? Yes. But is the government doing anything to checkmate that? Yes, indeed,” Idris added.

He emphasised ongoing diplomatic efforts with the US and other global partners, highlighting terrorism and violent extremism as challenges that transcend borders.

“We have porous borders, and that is why we have cooperation with our regional partners and international partners, including the United States. Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation is being solved diplomatically,” the minister stated.

Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, Idris noted, “The killing of even one Nigerian citizen is of concern to the government of Nigeria. Our constitution guarantees the right of everyone to worship his or her religion without hindrance. The government of Nigeria is committed to that and will continue to do so.”

He concluded by reassuring both Nigerians and the international audience that the government is handling security matters calmly and responsibly to maintain peace and the country’s dignity.

“There is no panic mode here. We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country,” Idris said.