President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said that Nigeria is engaging its international partners through diplomatic channels following U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat to take military action in Nigeria over alleged killings of Christians.
Speaking during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday, President Tinubu assured Nigerians and the international community that the country remains stable and committed to defeating terrorism. The meeting was the first FEC session since July and came amid growing international reactions to Trump’s controversial remarks.
“We assure all of you that we will defeat terrorism in this country,” Tinubu said. “The task ahead is immense, but it is our resolve to move forward with unity and purpose, guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Nigeria.”
Tinubu explained that his administration was working to maintain calm and stability despite the tense political environment created by Trump’s comments.
“Despite the political headwinds and the fear among our people, we will continue to engage with partners,” Tinubu said. “The success of our $2.3 billion Eurobond, oversubscribed by 400 percent, shows growing international confidence in Nigeria’s economy.”
The President said his administration would not be distracted by “external noise” and was instead focused on building a secure and united nation.
His remarks came just days after Trump, through a series of social media posts, announced that he was labeling Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern”—a designation typically reserved for nations accused of religious persecution.
Trump went further to say he had instructed congressional Republicans to “immediately look into” alleged killings of Christians and directed the U.S. Department of War to prepare for “possible action in Nigeria.”
The announcement sparked widespread debate both in Nigeria and internationally, with religious and political groups reacting sharply to what many described as an “unwarranted interference” in Nigeria’s domestic affairs.
Meanwhile, a coalition of northern elders strongly rejected calls by some U.S. right-wing politicians to pressure Nigeria into banning Sharia law, which is practiced in parts of the North.
The elders described the proposal as an attack on Nigeria’s sovereignty and cultural diversity, stressing that Sharia law is constitutionally recognized within the framework of Nigeria’s legal system.
They argued that the focus should be on tackling insecurity and poverty, not on imposing foreign moral or religious values.
“We will not accept any external interference in our internal affairs. Sharia is part of our identity and culture,” a spokesman for the group said. “The real issue is terrorism, which affects both Muslims and Christians. The government must be supported to end it, not divided by foreign narratives.”
This statement echoed widespread sentiments in northern Nigeria, where many leaders view Trump’s remarks as politically motivated and potentially destabilizing.
Addressing State House correspondents after the FEC meeting, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the Federal Government was not panicking over Trump’s comments but had taken steps to address the issue through diplomatic means.
“There is no panic mode here,” Idris said. “We are responding responsibly, steadily, and in the interest of our country.”
The minister confirmed that formal discussions had begun with U.S. officials to clarify the situation and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to protecting all citizens regardless of their faith.
“Channels have been opened. We prefer that this situation be resolved diplomatically,” Idris said.
He added that President Tinubu was calm and focused on governance despite the external pressure.
“The President is calm. The Federal Executive Council members are calm. Yes, there are security challenges, and yes, lives have been lost. But the government is responding responsibly and decisively,” he said.
Minister Idris reiterated that Nigeria remains a multi-religious and pluralistic society where freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution.
“Nigeria is a country that has tolerance for religion,” he stated. “Whatever your faith, our Constitution guarantees your freedom to practice it. The government will continue to maintain law and order and ensure that no citizen is discriminated against on the basis of religion.”
He noted that terrorism and violent extremism in Nigeria are not driven by religion but by criminal networks seeking power and profit.
“We are confronting these problems with responsibility and balance. Terrorism is a global problem, and Nigeria is working with our partners to address it,” Idris added.
The minister further assured that the Tinubu administration remains open to international cooperation but will not compromise national sovereignty.
“Nigeria remains a stable democracy. We are open to partnerships that strengthen our fight against insecurity and promote economic growth. However, decisions about our internal affairs will always be made in Nigeria, not abroad,” he emphasized.
Trump’s remarks mark one of the most direct threats by a U.S. president toward Nigeria in recent years. The accusation of “mass killing of Christians” has drawn criticism from international observers who say such claims are often exaggerated and politicized.
Relations between Nigeria and the United States have historically been strong, especially in trade, counterterrorism, and education. However, tensions occasionally arise over issues of human rights and religious freedom.
In 2020, during Trump’s first term, Nigeria was briefly listed as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. State Department under a similar allegation, but the designation was later lifted after diplomatic engagement.
President Tinubu has repeatedly assured Nigerians that ending insecurity remains a top priority of his administration.
Under his Renewed Hope Agenda, the government has launched new security strategies, including closer coordination between military, police, and intelligence services.
The administration has also sought greater cooperation from regional partners such as Niger, Chad, and Cameroon in fighting cross-border terrorism linked to groups like Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
Despite these efforts, isolated attacks and communal clashes continue in some parts of the North, fuelling international concern about Nigeria’s internal stability.
However, Tinubu said the progress being made—both economically and in security operations—should give Nigerians confidence.
“We are moving forward with determination. The world is watching, and Nigeria is proving that it can overcome its challenges,” the President said.
As Nigeria navigates this tense diplomatic moment, government officials say the focus remains on peace, dialogue, and development.
Tinubu’s administration insists it will continue to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, promote religious tolerance, and work with allies to combat terrorism—without yielding to political pressure from abroad.
“We are calm, we are stable, and we are engaging the world with confidence,” Information Minister Idris concluded. “Our message is simple: Nigeria stands united, and we will not be intimidated.”
