Nigeria’s federal government has summoned all foreign diplomats following United States President Donald Trump’s recent threat to deploy American troops and cut aid to the country over alleged persecution of Christians.
The summons, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, comes amid global reactions to Trump’s declaration that Nigeria has been redesignated as a “Country of Particular Concern.” The U.S. president announced the move on his Truth Social account, claiming that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria” and accusing “radical Islamists” of carrying out mass killings.
The Nigerian government swiftly dismissed the allegation, denying that any genocide against Christians was taking place. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom, describing Trump’s statements as a misrepresentation of the country’s complex religious reality.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while addressing security challenges that affect citizens across all faiths and regions,” Tinubu said. He maintained that Nigeria remains a democracy founded on constitutional guarantees of liberty and tolerance.
China and the European Union have both expressed support for Nigeria’s position. At a press briefing in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning stated that China “firmly opposes any country using religion or human rights as a pretext for interfering in other nations’ internal affairs.” She reaffirmed Beijing’s support for Nigeria’s “sovereign right to choose its own development path.”
In Lagos, European Union Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Gautier Mignot, reiterated the bloc’s solidarity with Nigeria, saying the EU respects the country’s sovereignty and remains committed to cooperation on peacebuilding, human rights, and interfaith dialogue.
“Our partnership with Nigeria is built on shared values and mutual respect,” Mignot said. “We stand with the victims of violence, with the authorities working to protect citizens, and with the Nigerian people who seek peaceful coexistence beyond ethnic and religious divides.”
The diplomatic consultations are expected to continue in Abuja as Nigeria seeks to reassure the international community of its commitment to both human rights and national sovereignty.
