We are a beacon of peace in Africa, not state of religious persecution – FG
The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations of religious persecution, insisting that the country remains a beacon of peace and stability in Africa.
Speaking at a diplomatic briefing in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dunoma Ahmed, clarified that Nigeria’s laws are religion-neutral and that there is no offence of blasphemy in its national legal framework. He explained that Sharia laws in some northern states apply only to Muslims and function under the supervision of the secular judiciary.
Ahmed emphasized that both Christian and Muslim institutions operate freely, contributing to peaceful coexistence. “Nigeria is a vibrant democracy facing security challenges, not a state of religious persecution,” he stated.
The government also expressed concern over what it described as misleading foreign narratives about the country’s security situation, urging the international community to maintain mutual respect and cooperation based on accurate understanding of Nigeria’s religious diversity and democratic structure.
