The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has criticized the United States government’s decision, made under former President Donald Trump, to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over claims of Christian persecution.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, NSCIA Secretary General, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, described the designation as unfair and based on an incomplete understanding of Nigeria’s security challenges. He stated that violence in the country is driven by political, economic and ethnic tensions not religion and that both Christians and Muslims are victims of terrorist attacks.
He urged the U.S. to support Nigeria in addressing insecurity rather than using it to justify foreign pressure or intervention. Oloyede also cautioned Nigerians to resist any external attempts to create division along religious lines.
The NSCIA called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to combat insecurity and promote cooperation, peace and dialogue among all communities.
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