A Call for Proactive Action in Response to International Concerns
The recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ by U.S. President Donald Trump has raised significant concerns, particularly regarding the unchecked violence against Christians in the country. This label not only highlights a critical issue but also poses a serious reputational risk that could impact investor confidence, tourism, and diplomatic relations. While the government may contest these labels later, the damage can be long-lasting if not addressed proactively.
For years, Nigeria has experienced persistent violence in various regions, with accusations of complicity from those tasked with protection and insinuations of state-sponsored or religiously motivated killings. Between November 2022 and now, analysts and NGOs have documented an increase in deadly attacks and forced displacement across the Middle Belt, parts of the north-west, and north-central regions. Additionally, reports indicate renewed activity by Boko Haram/ISWAP in the northeast since 2023. Many of these attacks have targeted rural Christian communities, churches, pastors, and markets.
This situation demands accountability. Every action or inaction is a story, and it is crucial to ask whether we took the various reports seriously, conducted proper investigations, and implemented effective measures to end the violence. The lack of decisive action and watered-down messaging have fueled mistrust domestically and damaged Nigeria’s credibility internationally. The crisis we are currently managing could have been prevented through timely, transparent actions to protect lives and properties, as well as proactive engagement with all affected interest groups.
In response to the allegations, the Nigerian government has issued several statements over three days:
- President Bola Tinubupublicly rejected claims of a religious genocide, stating that the characterization “does not reflect our national reality.” He affirmed that Nigeria protects citizens of all faiths and emphasized his government’s engagement across religious lines.
- TheMinistry of Foreign Affairsissued press releases pushing back on the claims and urged foreign actors not to make unilateral characterizations. The minister and presidential advisers expressed willingness to accept assistance only if it respects Nigeria’s territorial integrity.
- Special Advisers, Bayo Onanuga and Mohammed Idris, labeled some of the claims as “gross exaggerations” and argued that violence is not solely religiously targeted, pointing to attacks on both Christians and Muslims.
While a reactive statement is necessary, a more effective approach would involve a proactive strategy centered on truth, appropriate action, and transparent, consistent engagement with all concerned parties.
Today, there is an opportunity to mitigate the reputational damage already done if we view this as a wake-up call and commit to taking the necessary steps to end the violence, regardless of its underlying causes. Our positions are defined not just by our statements but more importantly by our actions—or the lack thereof.
At Pivot Nigeria, my team and I call for a coordinated national effort to unite the government, faith communities, and diaspora voices around tangible and visible efforts to combat terrorism and violent killings. We are ready to support the following three key actions:
- Launch a weekly ‘citizen briefing’on the efforts to end violence across Nigeria.
- Convene ‘multi-stakeholder roundtables’involving government, religious leaders, civil society, and community representatives to discuss actions needed to protect lives and properties within the most affected communities.
- Create a ‘public data-access’ initiativeto provide transparent, evidence-based updates on violence, victims, and government action.
Nigeria possesses the resources and the voice to fix what is broken and to tell its story with clarity and compassion. No one can misrepresent who we are if we own and tell our own story.