President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reiterated his administration’s commitment to engaging global partners diplomatically, despite growing domestic anxiety and recent warnings issued by former U.S. President Donald Trump concerning Nigeria’s internal security and alleged religious persecution.
Speaking during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu maintained that Nigeria would continue to pursue dialogue and cooperation as part of a comprehensive strategy to achieve peace and stability across the country.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, the President stressed that diplomacy remains central to his government’s foreign policy under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we continue to engage our partners. We are engaging the world diplomatically. I assure you all that we will defeat terrorism,” Tinubu said.
He added that Nigeria’s global engagements were designed to rebuild international confidence, attract investment, and consolidate peace efforts across the subregion.
“The task ahead is to move forward with clarity of purpose guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous Nigeria,” Tinubu stated.
Tinubu’s remarks come in response to a series of statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently announced the redesignation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC)” over alleged widespread killings of Christians in the country.
Trump warned that the United States could cut foreign aid or consider military action if the violence persists, calling the situation a “Christian genocide.”
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” Trump declared on his Truth Social platform.
He also urged congressional leaders, including Riley Moore and Tom Cole, to investigate the issue and provide an immediate report to him.
In reaction to Trump’s comments, Congressman Riley Moore expressed support, pledging swift legislative action.
“Thank you, President Trump, for your incredible leadership in defending persecuted Christians, especially in Nigeria. Your bold and decisive action will save thousands of lives. I am on it and will have more for you soon,” Moore stated.
The move has reignited debate in Washington over Nigeria’s human rights record, with some lawmakers urging the U.S. administration to apply stronger sanctions and diplomatic pressure.
The Nigerian government has rejected the characterization of ongoing insecurity as a targeted genocide, maintaining that the violence affects communities of various religious and ethnic backgrounds.
Officials insist that the constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that the administration remains committed to protecting all citizens, regardless of faith.
