President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepening Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with global partners, despite rising public anxiety and a stern warning from U.S. President Donald Trump over Nigeria’s internal security situation.
Speaking during the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting at the Presidential Villa on Thursday, Tinubu said his government would continue to pursue diplomatic engagement as part of a broader strategy to ensure peace and security across the country.
According to the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, the remarks were a direct response to Trump’s latest comments on alleged attacks against Christians in Nigeria.
Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains focused on diplomacy and global cooperation, saying, “Despite the political headwinds and the fear of our people, we continue to engage our partners. We are engaging the world diplomatically. I assure you all that we will defeat terrorism.”
He noted that his government’s foreign policy direction aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which aims to restore Nigeria’s international reputation and build prosperity through peace and cooperation.
“The task ahead is to move forward with clarity of purpose guided by the Renewed Hope Agenda to build a prosperous Nigeria,” he added.
Meanwhile, Trump recently doubled down on his stance that Christians in Nigeria are being killed in large numbers, describing the situation as a “genocide” and warning that Washington could cut aid or consider military intervention if the violence persists.
In his speech, Trump declared that Nigeria has been designated a “country of particular concern”, citing what he called “an existential threat to Christianity.” He urged U.S. lawmakers to take swift action, directing Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Chairman Tom Cole to investigate the matter immediately.
Reacting to Trump’s speech, Moore thanked the U.S. President for his “bold leadership in defending persecuted Christians,” adding that he was already working on a report for Trump.
The Nigerian government, however, has rejected Trump’s characterization, insisting that the nation’s constitution protects all religions and that the ongoing security challenges affect communities across all faiths, not just Christians.