The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) has described the U.S. inclusion of Nigeria on the list of countries with severe religious violations as a case of “honest disagreement between the two nations on the causes of violence in Nigeria.”
Reacting to the list released on Monday by the United States, Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed said
Nigeria jealously protects religious freedom as enshrined in her constitution and deals decisively with any infringements in this regard.
In a statement titled ‘Nigeria Denies Religious Freedom Violation Allegation’, the minister noted the action by the U.S. was an indication of an “honest disagreement between the two nations on the causes of violence in Nigeria.”
”Nigeria does not engage in religious freedom violation, neither does it have a policy of religious persecution. Victims of insecurity and terrorism in the country are adherents of Christianity, Islam and other religions,” the Minister said.
The U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, on Monday designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom, alongside nations that include China, Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.”