FG To Engage U.S. On Removing Nigeria From Religious Freedom Blacklist

'Dotun Akintomide
Writer

Ad

Arise IIP raises $700m in Africa infrastructure deal, welcomes Saudi Vision Invest as shareholder

By Obinna Uballa Arise Integrated Industrial Platforms (Arise IIP), a pan-African developer and operator of industrial zones, has secured $700 million in fresh capital, marking one of the largest private infrastructure transactions in Africa. The deal, announced Wednesday in Dubai, sees Saudi Arabia’s Vision Invest join as a new shareholder alongside founding investors such as…

2027: INEC Grants Official Recognition to Atiku, Obi, Aregbesola, Amaechi, David Mark’s ADC

By Abiola Olawale The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has formally recognized the African Democratic Congress (ADC) under the leadership of former President of the Senate, David Mark. This endorsement positions the party as a key contender ahead of the 2027 general elections. The confirmation was displayed on the website of INEC and sighted by…

Attempted suicide no longer a crime: FG sets December deadline for decriminalisation

By Obinna Uballa The Federal Government has reaffirmed its resolve to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, setting December 2025 as the deadline for completing the reform. Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing in Abuja to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, themed…

Ad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, says Nigeria will vigorously engage the U.S. government to remove its name from its blacklist of countries over concern on religious freedom.

The Nigerian government has also expressed its displeasure to the U.S. government on this development.

Read also:


Fresh Details: Boko Haram Holding Back Leah Sharibu To Trigger Religious War

US Working With CAN To Create Religious Tension In Nigeria – MURIC

Mr Ferdinand Nwonye, Spokesperson for the ministry, disclosed Nigeria’s position in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja,  following the announcement of the U.S. adding Nigeria among countries of concerns against its Religious Freedom Act of 1998.new Religious Freedom Blacklist

The foreign affairs ministry said  Nigerian government remained committed to ensuring  respect and protection of all citizens’ right to religious freedom and promotion of religious tolerance and harmony.

“The attention of the ministry has been drawn to an announcement made by the  U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, stating that the government of the United States of America has designated Nigeria as a ‘country of concern under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998’.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria received the news with surprise, that a secular country under a democratic government will be so designated.

“Although the Nigerian state is multi-religious and multi-ethnic, the Nigerian constitution expressly states that the government shall not adopt any religion as state religion.

“Furthermore, section 38 of the constitution guarantees that every Nigerian citizen is entitled to freedom of thought, conscience and religion including freedom to change his/her religion or belief.

“And freedom to manifest and propagate his/her religion or belief. Religious liberty in Nigeria has never been in question, therefore any claim contrary to that is completely false and untrue.

“The ministry wishes to assure that the Nigerian government will engage the U.S government to express its displeasure and request that Nigeria be removed from the list,” it said.

Read also:


Religious Persecution: CAN Backs US Government

Religious Persecution: Why El-Zakzaky Was detained – Lai Mohammed

N13.6m Ransom Paid As Kaduna School Girls, Teachers Regain Freedom

US Ambassador Cautions Nigerian Politicians On Ethno-Religious Tension

Ad

Unlocking Opportunities in the Gulf of Guinea during UNGA80
X whatsapp