The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed allegations that Nigeria violates religious freedom, describing them as false, misleading, and damaging to the country’s global image.
Speaking at the 5th National Advertising Conference on Thursday in Abuja, Idris said such claims misrepresent Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity.
“Our nation today faces challenges that are not only economic or security-related but also communicational. One of the gravest is the deliberate spread of misinformation — particularly the false and damaging narrative of Nigeria as a ‘violator of religious freedom,’” he stated.
Idris emphasised that Nigeria is a nation of diverse peoples and faiths who have coexisted peacefully for generations.
“Let me state clearly and emphatically that this narrative is false. It is a distortion of our reality as a nation of diverse peoples and faiths,” he added.
He noted that while Nigeria continues to battle security challenges, these problems are not religiously motivated.
“All Nigerians — Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths — have suffered from the menace of terrorism and banditry,” the minister said.
According to Idris, the present administration is investing heavily in strengthening national security and restructuring command systems to combat terrorism effectively.
“We have invested deeply in strengthening our security architecture, rejigging the command and control structure, and injecting new ideas and fresh perspectives into the war against terror,” he explained.
The conference, organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), had as its theme “Marketing Communication: Transforming Business and Creating Growth in Challenging Times.”
Idris urged professionals in marketing and advertising to use their platforms to project truthful and positive narratives about Nigeria.
“You are not only storytellers for brands and businesses — you are also custodians of national perception and image. When false narratives about Nigeria are spread internationally, your creativity and storytelling can counterbalance them with truth, context, and hope,” he said.
The minister also stressed the need for a “communication renaissance” rooted in truth, unity, and patriotism. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to work with ARCON and other stakeholders to strengthen the communication industry through the National Values Charter Framework, which promotes integrity, patriotism, and national pride.
In his welcome remarks, ARCON Director-General, Dr Olalekan Fadolapo, highlighted the evolving nature of marketing communications amid digital disruption and the need for effective engagement with consumers.
The minister’s remarks come amid renewed international debate on Nigeria’s religious situation following comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently alleged that Christianity in Nigeria faced an “existential threat” from radical groups.
Trump’s statement — posted on his Truth Social platform — claimed “thousands of Christians are being killed,” calling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and suggesting possible U.S. military measures.
The Federal Government, however, swiftly rejected the claims, insisting that Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and protects the rights of all faiths. President Bola Tinubu also urged foreign governments to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty — a stance supported by China and Russia.
