The Federal Government has again denied claims of a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, describing them as baseless and part of a foreign propaganda campaign meant to tarnish the nation’s image and divide its people.
Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, made this known in Abuja during the National Unveiling of the World Public Relations Forum with the theme “Responsible Communication: The Voice of the World.” He said the allegations were being spread by external forces seeking to undermine Nigeria’s unity.
The controversy resurfaced after U.S. Senator Ted Cruz claimed on a podcast with Bill Maher that Nigerian Christians were being systematically killed. Maher and political commentator Van Jones also accused the Nigerian government of complicity.
The government, however, rejected these claims, insisting that Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminality—not religious persecution.
Last week, the Nigerian Senate also dismissed the genocide allegations, calling them false and divisive.
Idris urged Nigerians and communication professionals to reject misleading narratives and instead project truth-based messages that promote national unity. He emphasized that Nigeria, under President Bola Tinubu, is undergoing reforms, rebuilding its image, and attracting renewed global confidence.
Meanwhile, the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Dr. Yahaya Abubakar, commended the organisers of the forum, stressing the importance of planning and unity. Former Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, also praised the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for its innovation and plans to establish a university by 2026.
Aliyu added that such efforts would help reshape global perceptions of Nigeria and showcase the country’s progress to the world.
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