KEY POINTS
- FG says Nigeria-U.S. relations are improving through dialogue.
- U.S. Congressman urges sanctions over Christian killings.
- Vatican envoy, CAN, and Afenifere call for unity and dialogue.
The Federal Government says ongoing diplomatic talks with the United States are producing “positive outcomes” amid rising international criticism of Nigeria’s handling of religious and security tensions.
Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris said that “constructive dialogue” was underway and that both nations were working toward a “clearer mutual understanding” of Nigeria’s internal complexities. “Channels of communication have been opened,” Idris said. “Much of the earlier misunderstanding arose from an incomplete grasp of our domestic challenges.”
The minister added that intelligence had uncovered connections between U.S.-based lobby groups and a proscribed separatist organisation in Nigeria allegedly spreading “misleading narratives” to American policymakers. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, stressing that the Constitution guarantees equality for all faiths and that “current conflicts are not driven by religious persecution.”
Plateau of mistrust: U.S. lawmaker calls for sanctions over Christian killings
U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga expressed “deep disappointment” in Nigeria’s response to persistent attacks on Christians, calling for targeted economic sanctions instead of military intervention.
Speaking in Washington, Huizenga said the violence risked “a repeat of Rwanda or South Sudan” and urged the U.S. to apply pressure through financial restrictions. “Sanctions cut off the flow of money and travel,” he further said. “Economic pressure will have a positive impact.”
He criticised Nigeria’s government for being “dismissive,” saying it must show tangible actions to protect all citizens. “Their response has been, ‘there’s really not a problem.’ Well, I think there is,” he said. Huizenga’s remarks followed reports of former U.S. President Donald Trump warning that “Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria.”
Nigeria-U.S. relations under security strain
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday met privately with Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu to review national security conditions. The Army chief assured Nigerians of “improved security nationwide” following recent anti-terror operations across several states.
Meanwhile, Vatican envoy Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu warned that Nigeria’s insecurity is “self-inflicted,” blaming deep social divisions and intolerance. “Differences should be a source of beauty, not conflict,” he said during an event in Abuja.
Northern CAN urged Nigerians to approach recent U.S. statements with calm and dialogue, not outrage. “Trump’s comment should be seen as an opportunity for constructive dialogue, not anger,” said Reverend John Joseph Hayab.
The pan-Yoruba group Afenifere also warned against a militarised approach to terrorism, arguing for intelligence sharing and diplomatic solutions. “Terrorists are not invincible, but they are embedded within communities,” said spokesperson Jare Ajayi.
Senator Orji Uzor Kalu added his voice, saying that both Christians and Muslims are victims of Nigeria’s security crisis. “Trump told the truth, Nigerians are being killed, we should also blacklist the jihadists without pity,” he said.
