The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly denied allegations suggesting that the country violates religious freedom, describing such claims as unfounded and misleading.
Speaking at the Fifth National Advertising Conference held in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said that the perception of Nigeria as a nation that suppresses or discriminates against particular religious groups is false and harmful to the nation’s reputation on the global stage.
According to the minister, “Distinguished participants, our nation today faces challenges that are not only economic or security-related but also communicational. One of the gravest of these is the deliberate spread of misinformation — particularly the false and damaging narrative of Nigeria as a ‘violator of religious freedom.’ 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, who have lived together peacefully for generations.”
Idris noted that while Nigeria continues to battle terrorism and insecurity, those issues are not driven by religious motives. He explained that citizens of all faiths — Christians, Muslims, and adherents of other religions — have been victims of insecurity in equal measure.
He said, “All Nigerians — Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths — have suffered from the menace of terrorism and banditry.”
The minister further disclosed that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has invested heavily in improving the country’s security system, reorganising command structures, and introducing innovative strategies to combat terrorism and violent extremism.
“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,” Idris said.
Okay News reports that the National Advertising Conference, organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, had the theme “Marketing Communication: Transforming Business and Creating Growth in Challenging Times.”
During his remarks, Idris urged professionals in marketing, media, and advertising to help reshape global perceptions about Nigeria through accurate narratives that reflect the country’s unity and progress.
“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 — especially internationally — it is your creativity, strategy, and storytelling that can counterbalance them with truth, context, and compelling narratives of hope and progress,” he explained.
He emphasised that communication professionals bear a social responsibility to promote truth, integrity, and unity in their work. “We need a communication renaissance — one that emphasises facts over fear, unity over division, and truth over propaganda,” he said.
The minister also revealed that his ministry is collaborating with the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria and other stakeholders to strengthen the communication and advertising industries. He added that the National Values Charter Framework is being implemented to promote truth, patriotism, integrity, and national pride.
In his welcome address, the Director General of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, described the event as timely, noting that marketing communication continues to evolve rapidly in the digital age.
“In today’s world, market algorithms and marketing activities are shifting faster than ever. Consumer behaviour and insight are becoming challenging to track, and digital disruption is now redefining the rules of engagement, which makes our ability to communicate effectively more vital,” Fadolapo said.
He noted that the advertising industry plays a central role in driving business growth and sustaining national economic progress, especially during uncertain times.
The Federal Government’s reaction comes after recent remarks by United States President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat” from radical Islamist groups.
Trump, through his Truth Social platform, claimed that “thousands of Christians are being killed” in Nigeria, calling the country a “place of particular concern.” He also instructed the Pentagon to consider “options for possible military measures” against terrorist groups in the country.
Nigeria, in response, dismissed the statements as misleading. President Tinubu reaffirmed that Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and remains committed to protecting the rights of all faiths. The governments of China and Russia also advised Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and refrain from actions that could heighten tensions in West Africa.
