Mohammed Idris, minister of information and national orientation, says some lawmakers in the United States are depending on inaccurate and misleading submissions to accuse Nigeria of carrying out a Christian genocide.

A group of US lawmakers had urged Marco Rubio, US secretary of state, to impose diplomatic sanctions on Nigeria, citing what they described as the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians”.

The Nigerian government has consistently rejected the accusation, maintaining that no religious group is targeted in the country.

However, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has repeatedly said Christian communities, particularly in northern states, have faced killings, attacks, and destruction of worship centres.

Speaking in an interview with CNN on Tuesday night, Idris said the claims circulating internationally do not reflect the realities or complexities of Nigeria’s security landscape.

He reaffirmed that the country remains committed to upholding religious freedom, human rights, rule of law, and democratic principles.

A statement issued on Wednesday by Rabiu Ibrahim, his media aide, restated the minister’s position.

Idris noted that the administration of President Bola Tinubu has intensified efforts to combat insecurity nationwide and protect all citizens.

He also emphasised that the Nigerian constitution guarantees freedom of religion for all residents.

“Some of the claims made by officials of the United States are based on faulty data and the assumption that victims of violence are largely Christians,” Idris said.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not target one religion — they attack both Christians and Muslims, especially in the northern part of the country.”

The minister warned that such narratives could inadvertently embolden violent groups seeking to inflame religious tensions between Christians and Muslims.

‘Attacks Not A Religious War’

Idris said Nigeria remains a country where diverse faiths coexist peacefully, adding that framing the insecurity as religious persecution risks causing deeper divisions.

“Characterising these attacks as being against Christians alone will drive Nigeria towards unnecessary division,” he said.

“The criminals want to portray the situation as a fight between Christians and Muslims. It is wrong to describe Nigeria as a country that does not tolerate religious freedom.

“It is also inaccurate to say that nowhere is safe in Nigeria. Our country is indeed safe.”

He acknowledged ongoing security concerns but insisted the government is addressing them with renewed commitment.

“Yes, we have security issues in Nigeria, but the government has made massive investments to ensure safety for everyone,” he said.

The minister added that while Nigeria has battled insurgency and banditry since 2009, there has been improved coordination among security agencies over the last two years.

“In recent years, the government has focused more attention on improving security through better military hardware and strategy,” Idris added.

“We are also investing in agriculture and social services to strengthen non-kinetic approaches to peacebuilding.

“Even the recent changes in service chiefs were made to improve our security architecture and ensure government responds effectively to emerging threats.”

The federal government says it has disbursed N2.3 billion to universities to offset outstanding arrears owed to staff across federal tertiary institutions.

Providing an update on discussions with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and other campus unions, Tunji Alausa, minister of education, said in Abuja on Wednesday that the move reflects the administration’s commitment to resolving longstanding welfare and funding concerns through structured financial interventions and continuous engagement.

Alausa said the funds, processed through the office of the accountant-general of the federation (OAGF), are meant to cover pending obligations and improve welfare packages for both academic and non-academic staff.

“A total of N2.311 billion has been released through the office of the accountant-general of the federation to universities,” he said.

“Benefiting institutions should begin receiving payment alerts anytime from now.”

The minister also disclosed that the federal government is finalising the release of third-party non-statutory deductions and pension remittances.

He added that earned academic allowances (EAA) would be incorporated into university salary structures beginning 2026 — a move aimed at ensuring predictable, consistent, and sustainable payments going forward.

Alausa said government has additionally released funds under the Needs Assessment of Nigerian Universities programme, with provisions in place to ensure continued support for the initiative.

He noted that over the last 26 months, a significant portion of the government’s outstanding financial commitments to tertiary-institution staff has been cleared, alongside regular dialogue with unions.

He stressed that ongoing discussions with ASUU and other unions are being held in good faith and guided by financial prudence.

“The government will only sign agreements that are realistic and sustainable through the Yayale Ahmed negotiating committee,” he said.

“Our focus is to responsibly address all issues in a manner that safeguards the long-term stability of the education sector.”

Backlash has trailed the presence of Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), at the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors’ Forum in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), alongside his two sons.

The summit, which commenced on Monday, is scheduled to end today. It is organised by the Brisbane City Council in Australia to strengthen city-to-city partnerships and promote business and governance collaboration.

Wike departed Abuja for Dubai on Monday in company of senior officials of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) including Richard Dauda, acting executive secretary of the federal capital development authority (FCDA); Benedict Daudu, senior special assistant on legal and multilateral cooperation; Mukhtar Galadima, director of development and control; Chuks Udeh, director of engineering services; and Sani Daura, director of protocol.

Also seen with him at the event were his sons, Joaquin and Jordan.

The minister participated in a panel session titled: “From data-rich to data-smart: Unlocking urban intelligence for the next generation of cities.”

On Tuesday, Lere Olayinka, media aide to the minister, shared images of Wike and his children at the summit, captioning them:

“When e reach your turn, carry your enemies travel. Hissssssssssssh.”

The development sparked reactions from Nigerians on social media, with many accusing the minister of using public resources to sponsor his children on official trips.

This is not the first time Wike has faced criticism regarding his sons. In July 2025, he denied allegations that he allocated plots of land in Maitama and Asokoro to them.

Below are some reactions:

“Nigeria is quietly sliding into a political monarchy…” — @Mimi_yakigar

“Wike is doing what Tinubu started.” — @AishaYesufu

“Dem go serve father, dem go serve sons.” — @ibkzzle0

“New taxes so Wike can fly his children abroad for pointless engagements.” — @AnotherAnowa

Wike has not responded to the latest criticism as of press time.