The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims that Nigeria violates religious freedom, describing them as false, misleading, and damaging to the country’s image.
Speaking at the 5th National Advertising Conference held on Thursday in Abuja, Idris said such allegations distort the true picture of Nigeria’s religious and cultural diversity.
“One of the gravest challenges our nation faces today is the deliberate spread of misinformation particularly the false and damaging narrative of Nigeria as a ‘violator of religious freedom,’” the minister said.
He stressed that Nigeria remains a nation of diverse peoples and faiths who have coexisted peacefully for generations, adding that the country’s security challenges should not be misinterpreted as religious conflicts.
“All Nigerians — Christians, Muslims, and people of other faiths have suffered from terrorism and banditry. These issues are not driven by religion,” he added.
Idris explained that the Federal Government has invested heavily in strengthening national security, including reorganising command structures and introducing new strategies to combat terrorism.
The conference, organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON), had as its theme ‘Marketing Communication: Transforming Business and Creating Growth in Challenging Times’.
He urged professionals in marketing and advertising to use their platforms to promote truthful and positive narratives about Nigeria, saying they are key custodians of the nation’s image.
“When false narratives about Nigeria are spread internationally, it is your creativity and storytelling that can counter them with truth and compelling stories of hope and progress,” Idris said.
The minister also called for a “communication renaissance” that prioritises truth, unity, and patriotism. “We need a communication culture that emphasises facts over fear, unity over division, and truth over propaganda,” he noted.
He added that his ministry is working with ARCON and other stakeholders to strengthen Nigeria’s communication and advertising industry through initiatives like the National Values Charter Framework, which promotes truth, integrity, patriotism, and national pride.
In his remarks, ARCON Director-General, Dr. Olalekan Fadolapo, highlighted the importance of effective communication in a rapidly changing digital world, noting that marketing professionals must adapt to new consumer behaviours and market disruptions.
The minister’s comments follow recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, who claimed that Christianity in Nigeria was under threat from Islamist groups. Trump alleged that “thousands of Christians are being killed” and said he had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern.”
His comments, which included calls for potential U.S. military measures against terrorist groups in Nigeria, drew condemnation from the Federal Government and concern among global powers.
President Bola Tinubu, in response, reaffirmed that Nigeria guarantees freedom of religion and protects the rights of all faiths. China and Russia also urged Washington to respect Nigeria’s sovereignty and avoid stoking tensions with unverified claims.
