By Nkechi Eze
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerians at home and abroad to remain united and resolute against the recent decision by former U.S. President Donald Trump to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious intolerance.
In an official statement signed by NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians, especially those in the diaspora, to disregard the misleading narrative and continue to defend the true image of their country.
Making reference to the official responses by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the NIDCOM boss appealed for calm and collective patriotism, reaffirming that Nigeria remains a nation built on tolerance, diversity, and democratic values.
According to her, the conspiracy theory portraying Nigeria as a country that targets or persecutes Christians is entirely false and does not reflect the nation’s reality. “Nigeria is a country built on tolerance, diversity, and democratic values,” she stated, stressing that the claims suggesting otherwise are misleading and divisive.
“Nigeria remains steadfast in upholding democracy, religious freedom, and the protection of all citizens,” Dabiri-Erewa affirmed, adding that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has consistently demonstrated his commitment to religious liberty, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect among the country’s diverse faith communities.
She disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already issued a strong rebuttal to the false narrative, clarifying Nigeria’s position on the matter. She urged all Nigerians in the diaspora to amplify the truth and speak boldly against such misrepresentations.
“The perception is definitely not true. There are issues with evil terrorists in some parts of the country, no doubt. What President Trump needs to do is to support the efforts of our government in quashing them, not to falsely denigrate our country,” Dabiri-Erewa asserted.
The NIDCOM Chairman further emphasized that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest democracy, remains a symbol of religious harmony and inclusiveness, where citizens of all faiths coexist and contribute to national progress.
She called on Nigerians across the world to remain proud ambassadors of the nation, defending its integrity and projecting its true image as a resilient and peaceful country committed to unity and justice for all.
