Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, on Tuesday said the Federal Government is adopting multiple diplomatic and domestic approaches to address the recent threats and statements made by U.S. President Donald Trump against Nigeria and the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration.
The Minister, who spoke after a meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said the President remains calm and focused, assuring that Nigeria is already taking concrete steps to ensure that the international community understands the country’s ongoing efforts to tackle insecurity and promote religious harmony.
Stating that the Tinubu administration has intensified engagements at various levels, Idris said: “Channels of communication have been opened with international organisations to explain what Nigeria has done, and what more we intend to do, to address both domestic and international concerns.”
He noted that President Tinubu has been meeting with religious leaders across different faiths to foster unity and understanding.
“Mr. President will continue to engage with religious groups, regional and continental bodies, and international partners to ensure that Nigeria succeeds in defeating criminal elements who are distorting the country’s image,” he added.
The Minister dismissed claims that Nigeria is intolerant of religious diversity, describing them as “absolutely false.”
He emphasized that Nigeria is home to Muslims, Christians, and people of other beliefs, and that the constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all.
“Nowhere in Nigeria has there been any policy or action that favours one religion over another. What we are dealing with are extremists trying to divide the country and create a false narrative,” he noted.
Idris urged Nigerians to remain united and avoid rhetoric that could deepen divisions.
“This is the time for reflection on our nationhood and unity. Mr. President is calm but taking this very seriously. Every relevant agency is addressing the matter with the seriousness it deserves, and we are confident that Nigeria will come out of this stronger,” he added.
