The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday assured Nigerians the country will emerge stronger from the recent diplomatic tensions with the United States, following Washington’s designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
Speaking to journalists after a meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, Idris said the President remains calm and is taking the matter “very seriously,” noting that all responsible institutions of government are currently examining the situation “with the depth that it requires.”
He stressed that Nigeria is a tolerant, multi-faith nation and that the administration is determined to ensure the international community understands the country’s true position.
“This is not the time for division or rhetoric; it is a time for nation-building and unity. We will come out of this very strongly,” the Minister said.
Idris disclosed that the President has intensified engagements with religious leaders, regional blocs, and international partners to counter “false narratives” being promoted by extremist elements.
He affirmed that the government is pursuing a multi-pronged approach, including ongoing dialogues with faith leaders whom he described as “important stakeholders in the Nigerian project.”
“Nowhere has there been any decision to favour one religion over the other or inflict violence on any faith. Our constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and Mr President will continue to uphold that”, Idris stated.
He also pointed to recent security reforms, including the appointment of a new Chief of Defence Staff and service chiefs, decisions, he noted, taken even before Washington’s concerns were raised, as evidence of President Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening national security.
“As a government, we don’t want to overheat the discussion,” Idris added, “but work is ongoing, and we have opened channels of communication to ensure the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing and intends to do to keep this country safe for all.”
The Minister reiterated that extremists seek to divide the country and urged citizens to “look deeper” and resist attempts to exploit the situation.
“This is not who we are as a country. Nigeria remains a united, tolerant nation and the President is committed to safeguarding that,” he said.
