The Federal Government of Nigeria has reacted to a list by the United
States which placed Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” with
severe religious violations.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed in a statement
titled ‘Nigeria Denies Religious Freedom Violation Allegation’ said
Nigeria jealously protects religious freedom as enshrined in the
country’s constitution and takes seriously any infringements in this
regard.
He described the US inclusion of Nigeria on the list as a case of
“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 United States on Monday for the first time added Nigeria to a
blacklist on religious freedom, paving the way for potential sanctions
if it does not improve its record.
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo designated Nigeria as a “Country of
Particular Concern” for religious freedom, alongside nations that
include China, Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia.