Speaking at a press conference in Berlin on Monday, Tuggar described recent international accusations — particularly comments attributed to former U.S. President Donald Trump — as “misguided and uninformed,” emphasizing that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and forbids state involvement in faith-based discrimination.
“The idea of state-backed religious persecution is impossible in Nigeria,” Tuggar declared.“Our constitution does not permit it. Every Nigerian, regardless of faith, enjoys equal rights under the law.”
The statement follows remarks by Trump, who alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being “massacred” and warned that the United States might consider military action if the Nigerian government failed to stop the violence. The comment sparked sharp reactions across Africa’s most populous nation, where religious tensions occasionally flare between communities in the north and south.
Tuggar, responding to questions from journalists, stressed that Nigeria’s conflicts are driven more by socio-economic and security factors than by religion.
“What we are dealing with are criminal and terrorist activities, not state policy,” he explained. “It is misleading to label these as religious wars.”
The Minister also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith dialogue, noting that the federal government continues to work with religious leaders to foster peace and mutual understanding among communities.
Diplomatic analysts say the exchange underscores growing sensitivity in Nigeria’s foreign relations, as the government seeks to defend its international image amid persistent reports of sectarian violence and human rights abuses.
Human rights groups, however, have urged the government to match its assurances with concrete action. They argue that while the constitution protects freedom of religion, weak enforcement, poverty, and insecurity often allow violent actors to operate unchecked.
The Nigerian government maintains that it is addressing the root causes of conflict — including unemployment, banditry, and extremist insurgency — through ongoing reforms in security and governance.
