The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has confirmed that diplomatic efforts are yielding progress to improve relations between Nigeria and the United States, following recent tensions arising from reports on Christian’s genocide.
The Minister who disclosed this in a TV program, explained that Channels of communication have been opened, and both sides beginning to understand better, the issues at hand.
He attributed some of the misunderstandings to a “lack of proper understanding of Nigeria’s diversity and complexity.”
Idris also alleged a link between U.S.-based lobby groups and a proscribed separatist organization in Nigeria, claiming that such groups have been working to misinform U.S. authorities.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, and praised the U.S. for its past support in the fight against terrorism and called for renewed cooperation.
“We are calling on them to partner with us once again… so we have peace once and for all in our country,” he said.
The Minister expressed surprise at certain reports and statistics emanating from the U.S., questioning the accuracy of data used to support claims of religious intolerance in Nigeria.
“Some of the assumptions are based on data that largely cannot stand any scientific scrutiny,” he maintained.
Idris reaffirmed that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees religious freedom, emphasizing that the country remains a multi-faith nation, and that the ongoing conflicts should not be interpreted as acts of religious persecution.
