Okay News reports that the Federal Government has once again dismissed claims suggesting a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing them as baseless, malicious, and designed to tarnish the nation’s global image.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made this known in Abuja on Monday during the National Unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum, themed “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.”
Idris said the allegations were part of a foreign-sponsored campaign aimed at creating division and portraying Nigeria as a country in crisis.
He said, “This is a propaganda externally woven by those who want to weaken our unity. For the umpteenth time, I am emphatic that there’s no iota of truth in the claim of a ‘Christian genocide’ in Nigeria. I therefore urge us to use the instruments of public relations, crafted in truths and facts, to vehemently reject these despicable single narratives about Nigeria.”
The controversy began after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, during a podcast with television host Bill Maher, alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being “systematically targeted and killed,” calling it an act of genocide. Maher and political analyst Van Jones echoed the claim, accusing the Nigerian government of complicity.
However, the Nigerian authorities have firmly rejected the accusation, stressing that the nation’s security challenges stem from terrorism, banditry, and criminal activity, not religious persecution.
Last Thursday, the Senate also described the allegations as “false, divisive, and capable of undermining national unity.”
Idris warned that those pushing the false narrative were harming Nigeria’s reputation and urged communicators to promote unity and truth.
He noted that under President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria is “reforming, rebranding, and re-emerging—driven by innovation, private sector growth, and renewed international confidence.”
The minister encouraged Nigerians to be mindful of external misinformation, stating that the country’s diversity should be celebrated and not manipulated to sow discord.
Meanwhile, the Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, commended the forum organizers for their vision, promising traditional support for the global event.
Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, also praised the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations for its forward-thinking efforts, especially its plan to establish a university by 2026. He expressed optimism that Nigeria would “deliver an excellent show” that reshapes global perception of the country.
