FG Reaffirms Nigeria’s Secular Status, Rejects Foreign ‘Religious Persecution’ Label

The Federal Government has again dismissed the designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by foreign authorities, describing the claim of religious persecution as false, misleading, and inconsistent with the nation’s constitutional values.

Speaking at a briefing for members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja on Wednesday, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, reiterated that Nigeria remains a secular state where freedom of religion is fully protected by law.

Ahmed said the CPC label “misrepresents Nigeria’s secular democratic structure” and distorts the country’s long-standing record of peaceful religious coexistence.

> “The Nigerian state is secular in both structure and function. Christians and Muslims occupy leadership positions across all tiers of government. It is inaccurate to interpret our security challenges as state-sponsored religious intolerance,” he stated.

He explained that the 1999 Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and conscience, and that Nigeria’s legal framework has no provision criminalizing blasphemy. Public order laws, he said, are neutral and equally enforced among all citizens regardless of faith.

According to Ahmed, recent foreign reports alleging systemic persecution of Christians or Muslims in Nigeria are “grossly misinformed” and fail to reflect the reality on the ground.

Turning to the economy, the envoy outlined progress made under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that the removal of the fuel subsidy, which previously consumed over ₦4 trillion annually, has redirected funds toward social welfare, education, and infrastructure.

He listed several key intervention programmes, including the Infrastructure Support Fund (ISF), the Renewed Hope Conditional Cash Transfer Scheme, and targeted initiatives in transportation and food security.

Ahmed added that Nigeria’s crude oil production has increased to 1.6 million barrels per day following renewed investor confidence and improved security in oil-producing regions. He said ongoing operations at the Dangote Refinery, along with the rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries, would further strengthen the economy and reduce fuel import dependency.

On security, he highlighted the successes of military operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity, which have weakened insurgent groups, reclaimed occupied territories, and enabled displaced persons to return home.

Ahmed reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to diplomacy, peacebuilding, and regional cooperation, urging international partners to engage based on verifiable facts rather than assumptions.

> “Nigeria is a vibrant democracy confronting complex challenges, not a nation of religious persecution. Our Constitution, courts, and security agencies remain firm in safeguarding unity and preventing sectarian violence,” he said.

He further noted that interfaith harmony continues to be strengthened through institutions like the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

Ahmed concluded by emphasizing that the Tinubu administration’s reforms are laying the foundation for long-term national stability and economic resilience, consistent with Nigeria’s democratic and secular identity.