In her response shared on X (formerly Twitter), Dabiri-Erewa described Trump’s assertion as false, unfair, and damaging to Nigeria’s image, urging him to support the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism rather than “falsely denigrate” it.
She noted that both President Bola Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already addressed the United States’ classification of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution.
“The perception is definitely not true,” she wrote. “There are issues with evil terrorists in some parts of the country, no doubt. What @POTUS needs to do is support the efforts of our government in quashing them, not so falsely denigrate our country.”
Dabiri-Erewa emphasised that Nigeria under President Tinubu remains committed to democracy, religious freedom, and constitutional rights that protect citizens of all faiths. She also called on Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to remain united in fostering tolerance and national cohesion.
Her remarks came in response to Trump’s posts on his Truth Social platform, where he alleged that Christians were being targeted in Nigeria and threatened that the U.S. could intervene militarily if the killings continued. The statement drew widespread criticism, with many Nigerians and diplomats dismissing it as inflammatory and misleading.
In a swift reaction, President Bola Tinubu issued an official statement reaffirming Nigeria’s dedication to religious liberty and peaceful coexistence. He stressed that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and that his administration maintains open engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike to promote national unity and security.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” Tinubu stated. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with leaders of all faiths and continues to address security challenges that affect citizens across regions.”
Tinubu reiterated that religious tolerance has always been a cornerstone of Nigeria’s identity, adding that his government would continue collaborating with the United States and other global partners to strengthen mutual understanding and protect communities of every faith.