FG

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has rejected claims by United States lawmakers that Nigeria is witnessing religious persecution, insisting that no such policy exists in the country.

The Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, stated this while reacting to a report submitted to US President Donald Trump by members of the US Congress.

The report was presented by lawmakers from the House Committees on Appropriations and Foreign Affairs after months of investigations and field assessments.

It highlighted allegations of persecution against Christians as well as concerns over extremist violence.

The development followed the decision by the US government to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern and to mandate Congressman Riley Moore and Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole to lead an inquiry into the matter.

Moore, in a statement shared on his official X account, said the submission marked the end of extensive bipartisan efforts. He added that the engagements offered a clearer picture of insecurity and the situation facing Christian communities in some parts of Nigeria.

In response, the Federal Government reiterated that insecurity in the country is not driven by religious bias or government policy. Mohammed Idris stressed that there is no official backing for religious persecution and that all citizens are protected under the law regardless of their beliefs.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria has taken note of recent statements and recommendations emerging from engagements within the United States Congress, contained in a joint report on Christian persecution in Nigeria submitted to the White House on Monday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Appropriations Committee, concerning security developments in Nigeria.”

“Nigeria acknowledges that parts of the country continue to face serious security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts that have tragically affected many communities. The Federal Government remains deeply concerned about the loss of lives and destruction of property resulting from these criminal acts, and we extend our sympathies to all victims and their families, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or region.

“It is important to state clearly that Nigeria does not have, and has never had, a state policy of religious persecution. The violence being confronted by our security agencies is not driven by government policy or religious bias, but by complex security threats, including terrorism, organised criminality, and longstanding communal tensions.”

The minister also noted that the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion and worship. He said the government remains committed to protecting these rights and ensuring equal treatment for all citizens.

“Nigeria values its longstanding and strategic partnership with the United States. Our two countries share common interests in promoting security, economic development, and regional stability. We remain open to constructive dialogue and cooperation rooted in mutual respect, shared responsibility, and recognition of Nigeria’s constitutional framework and sovereignty.

“The Federal Government will continue to engage international partners through appropriate diplomatic channels while remaining focused on its primary duty, the protection of all Nigerians.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Former presidential aide and author, Reno Omokri, has raised concerns over the growing influence of BBC Hausa in Nigeria, arguing that no foreign media organisation should wield such power over a sovereign country.

In a detailed commentary, Omokri questioned whether it was healthy for Nigeria that BBC Hausa appears to have more influence than any local institution. He said one of his strongest wishes for the country was for the Federal Government to establish a Hausa-only radio station, possibly to be known as Radio Nigeria Hausa.

According to him, such a station should recruit the best Hausa-speaking journalists and broadcasters and operate with full editorial independence, even if it remains government-owned. He stressed that the journalists must be paid world-class salaries, warning that without competitive pay, foreign Hausa-language services would continue to attract Nigeria’s best talents.

Omokri explained his focus on Hausa by noting that the language is the most widely spoken in West Africa and the most developed indigenous language in Nigeria. He stated that about half of Nigeria’s population speaks Hausa, with many citizens relying on it as their only language. He also argued that, apart from Lukumi Yoruba, Hausa is the only indigenous language in the country that continues to grow, while others gradually decline as English gains ground.

He further claimed that BBC Hausa is the most influential and most listened-to media platform in Nigeria, with an estimated weekly audience of about 20 million listeners. He challenged readers to name any television station, radio outlet, or newspaper with a similar reach. Omokri added that radio remains the dominant medium in Nigeria and called on readers to verify this claim.

The commentator also asserted that BBC Hausa enjoys an 89 per cent trust rating in Nigeria, a figure he said few public or private institutions in the country could match. He linked this high level of trust to major historical moments, including the interview with late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua from his sick bed and the announcement of General Sani Abacha’s death, both of which were first reported by BBC Hausa.

While acknowledging that some television stations, such as Channels Television, may reach millions of viewers, Omokri pointed out that television requires electricity and a TV set. He contrasted this with radio, which he described as cheap, portable, and accessible, since a simple battery-powered device allows listeners to tune in from anywhere.

Omokri expressed deeper concern over the ownership structure of the BBC. He noted that the British Broadcasting Corporation is a public service broadcaster established, owned, and controlled by the British government. He explained that the BBC chairman is appointed by the British monarch on the advice of the UK government, while the board also comes from government appointments.

He argued that, regardless of goodwill, the primary responsibility of the BBC leadership would be to protect British interests. He warned that Nigeria’s most influential media platform remains foreign-owned and operated, with the capacity to shape the worldview and political opinions of millions of Nigerians.

Raising a hypothetical scenario, Omokri asked what would happen if British and Nigerian interests were to clash, as they had in the past. He admitted that BBC Hausa might be convenient for Nigeria, but insisted that it was not in the country’s long-term interest.

He said he doubted that any European country or nation in the Western Hemisphere would accept a situation where a foreign media organisation held such sway over its population. In his view, media power should be firmly in Nigerian hands to protect national independence and sovereignty.

Omokri emphasised that the media plays a decisive role in shaping nations, citing the United States as a global power strengthened by both its media influence and military strength. He warned that BBC Hausa could, if it chose, influence Nigerian voting behaviour, consumer choices, and foreign alignment.

He concluded that allowing a foreign broadcaster to hold such influence over a sovereign nation posed a serious risk and called on Nigerians not to underestimate the power of the media.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has renewed its campaign against illicit drug use with a directive that makes drug testing compulsory for individuals seeking employment in public service, describing the move as a key response to Nigeria’s growing drug abuse challenge.

The policy, announced in December, instructed all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to include drug screening as a core requirement for recruitment. Authorities said the step supports the present administration’s commitment to confront substance abuse and protect the integrity of the national workforce.

Findings from a 2019 survey by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime showed that 10.6 million Nigerians abuse marijuana, while local cultivation rivals Afghanistan, which is regarded as the world’s second-largest exporter of marijuana resin.

The survey also highlighted the consumption of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and locally brewed substances among Nigerian youths.

Although the pre-employment testing policy has been widely welcomed, stakeholders insist that restricting the programme to new entrants will not deliver the desired impact.

They argue that drug screening should extend to serving public officials, elected office holders, security agencies, traditional institutions, tertiary institutions and students. They add that random and routine testing would help safeguard public resources and strengthen national security.

Supporters of the initiative said its effectiveness rests on random mandatory testing, which could encourage discipline and discourage drug use across all sectors.

They also called for consistent political support to sustain the programme.Concerns over substance abuse within security agencies have also been raised.

In 2019, Premium Times reported that a police officer killed a truck driver for refusing to pay a N50 bribe at a checkpoint on the Owo-Akure Expressway.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has announced public holidays for the 2025 Christmas and New Year celebrations, while security agencies across the country have intensified measures to ensure safety during the festive period.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on Monday declared Thursday, December 25, 2025; Friday, December 26, 2025; and Thursday, January 1, 2026, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year. The announcement was made on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement, the minister conveyed Christmas and New Year goodwill messages to Christians in Nigeria and in the diaspora, as well as to all citizens marking the close of the year and the start of a new one. He described the season as a time for reflection and national unity.

The holiday declaration came amid heightened security arrangements ordered by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. The IGP directed the nationwide deployment of police personnel and assets to maintain public safety throughout the festive season.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, all zonal Assistant Inspectors-General and state Commissioners of Police have been instructed to boost patrols, strengthen visibility policing, deepen intelligence-driven operations and expand community engagement.

“In line with the Force’s proactive security strategy for the festive season, the IGP has directed all Zonal AIGs and State Command CPs to intensify patrols, visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, and confidence-building engagements throughout the period.

“Specialised units, including the Police Mobile Force, Counter-Terrorism Unit, Explosive Ordnance Disposal Command, Intelligence Response Team, Special Tactical Squad, Special Intervention Squad, Highway Patrol, Marine Police, and the Airwing, have been placed on heightened operational readiness,” the statement read.

Hundeyin said security coverage includes places of worship, recreational centres, markets, motor parks, event venues, transport terminals, highways, critical national infrastructure and other crowded public locations.

He added, “Additional patrol teams and surveillance units have also been activated to cover inter-state routes and major expressways to prevent road-related crimes, traffic disorder, and accidents.

“The deployed officers have been charged to be firm but courteous in the discharge of their duties.”

The police spokesman further stated that commands across the country have been directed to sustain raids on identified blackspots, forests, criminal hideouts and flashpoints, while collaboration with other security agencies has been strengthened.

By Uzair Adam

Former Kano State Governor, Engr. Dr. Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has warned the Federal Government to take the security situation in Kano seriously, emphasizing that recent attacks along the state’s borders should not be underestimated.

Kwankwaso made the statement on Saturday during the 4th convocation ceremony of Skyline University, held at the Amani Event Centre, Kano.

Addressing the audience, he said, “The security challenges in Kano, especially along the border with Katsina State, must not be taken lightly.

“Lives and properties are at risk, and the government must act decisively to protect the people,” he added.

He further added that Kano has historically been one of the more secure states in northern Nigeria.

“When I served as the governor, the state invested heavily in security infrastructure and training, successfully curbing threats from Boko Haram and other criminal groups.”

However, in recent years, he added, banditry has surged, particularly along local government borders with Katsina State. Areas such as Tsanyawa, Shanonu, Bagwai, Gwarzo, and Karaye have reportedly faced repeated attacks, with criminals crossing state lines, committing crimes, and returning to their bases.

Kwankwaso criticized local accords with bandits in neighbouring states, arguing that such arrangements create safe havens that allow criminal activities to spill into Kano.

He stressed that the federal government, as commander-in-chief, has the ultimate responsibility to secure the nation’s borders and protect citizens.

“The banditry started like a joke in Zamfara and has now spread to Sokoto, Kebbi, and parts of Kaduna. Kano and Jigawa were the only relatively safe areas in the northwest, but recent attacks from neighbouring Katsina show that the problem is growing,” Kwankwaso added.

He called on the government to implement more effective measures to curb banditry and safeguard lives and properties, warning that the ongoing security challenges should not be underestimated or ignored.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has accused the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Senate of negligence, which he claims led to the United States placing Nigeria on its list of “Countries of Particular Concern” for alleged religious persecution.

In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, Senator Ndume stated that both the executive and legislative arms failed to act with urgency in addressing the U.S. government’s accusations, ultimately resulting in the designation.

The senator recalled that he had previously sponsored a motion in the Senate calling for an investigation into what he termed the “baseless allegations of Christian genocide,” which later led to a resolution advising the federal government to engage the U.S. government with factual data.

The designation was announced on Friday by former U.S. President Donald Trump via his Truth Social platform, a move subsequently published on the White House’s X account.

The Nigerian government has swiftly denied the allegations, asserting that Trump’s claims do not reflect the reality within the country.

However, Senator Ndume blamed the Tinubu administration and the Senate for failing to take appropriate action since U.S. Representative Riley Moore first raised the issue, before Trump reiterated it.

He advised the government to take immediate steps to confront the U.S. administration with credible evidence that terrorists are killing people without religious discrimination.

“I have told the government before, I even sponsored a motion. Nigeria is a free country; this is not something America should do for us, but a misunderstanding and its political implications are what led to us being placed on this list,” Ndume said.

“We should confront the U.S. government with the true data and statistics. We must get them to listen to the views of the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims are also being killed. This is not a genocide of Christians; this is a killing of Nigerians in general.”

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Federal Government has rejected recent claims by United States President Donald Trump, who alleged widespread killings of Christians in Nigeria and announced the country’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern.”

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government described the claims as false and not reflective of the reality in the country.

“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’

“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the statement read.

The ministry noted that while Nigeria appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom, the allegations were inaccurate. It added that under President Bola Tinubu, the government remains focused on combating terrorism, promoting interfaith harmony, and protecting the rights of all citizens.

It further stated that Nigeria “will continue to engage constructively with the Government of the United States to deepen mutual understanding of regional dynamics and the country’s ongoing peace and security efforts.”

Trump, in a post shared on his Truth Social platform and later on the White House’s X account on Friday night, had claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter.”

He added, “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of particular concern’ — But that is the least of it.”Trump also called on US lawmakers, including Congressman Riley Moore and House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole, to “immediately look into this matter, and report back.”

“The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria, and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing, and able to save our Great Christian population around the world!” he declared.

Last month, Congressman Moore urged US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to impose diplomatic measures against what he called the “systematic persecution and slaughter of Christians” in Nigeria, describing the country as “the deadliest place in the world to be a Christian.”

He also called for a suspension of arms sales to Nigeria until the government takes concrete steps to end the violence.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, speaking to CNN earlier in the week, dismissed the allegations, saying they were based on inaccurate data.

“Some of the claims made by some officials of the United States are based on faulty data and some assumptions that the victims of this violence are largely Christians,” he said.

“Yes, there are Christians being attacked, but these criminals do not just target one religion. They target Christians. They also target Muslims. We have seen that especially in the northern part of the country,” Idris added.

In a related development, the European Parliament’s Committee on Foreign Affairs, during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, called for stronger protection for vulnerable communities and greater accountability in addressing violence across Nigeria.

By Anwar Usman

The Academic Staff Union of Universities has announced the suspension of its ongoing two-week warning strike which started Monday, October 13th.

This was revealed by the National President of ASUU, Prof. Chris Piwuna, in an ongoing press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday.

According to the president, the decision stemmed from the meeting of the National Executive Council meeting which was held overnight and ended by 4:00 am on Wednesday.

Piwuna noted that the union decided to embark on the strike due to the failure of the government to meet its demands on time.

“We’ve had useful engagements with representatives of the government to consider the response to the draft renegotiation of the 2009 agreements. However, we are definitely not where we were prior to the commencement of the strike.

“The union acknowledged that the government returned to the negotiation table. While noting that a lot more work is still required, NEC came to the conclusion that the ongoing strike should be reviewed. The decision to review the strike action was a result of efforts by our students, parents, and the Nigeria Labour Congress.

“Consequently, NEC resolved to suspend the warning strike to reciprocate the efforts of well-meaning Nigerians.”

Recall that, the major demands by ASUU includes the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement, the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others are payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues).

By Anwar Usman

The Federal Government on Sunday night threatened to implement the no-work-no-pay policy on the Academic Staff Union of Universities due to its failure to comply ongoing negotiations.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education Folasade Boriowo, says the ministry accused ASUU of not being cooperative despite efforts by the government to avert the strike that was declared by the union.

“The Ministers further stressed that the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of university staff and the stability of the academic calendar under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

“According to them, dialogue remains the most effective and sustainable path to resolving disagreements, and government remains open to engagement at any level to prevent unnecessary disruption in the education sector.

They, however, emphasised that the “no work, no pay” policy remains an extant labour law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the government will be guided by this law should academic activities be disrupted in the nation’s universities.

While the government continues to demonstrate goodwill and flexibility, it will not abdicate its responsibility to uphold fairness and accountability in the use of public resources.

The statement also reassured Nigerian students, parents, and the general public that the Federal Government is firmly committed to maintaining industrial harmony in the tertiary education system.

The statement further revealed that, “Ministers appealed to all academic unions to embrace partnership and dialogue rather than confrontation, in the collective interest of the nation’s higher education system.”

On Sunday, the university lecturers declared a total and comprehensive two-week warning strike starting from Monday, October 13.

ASUU is currently demanding the conclusion of the renegotiated 2009 FGN-ASUU agreement including the release of the withheld three and a half months’ salaries, sustainable funding of public universities, revitalisation of public universities, and cessation of the victimisation of lecturers in LASU, Prince Abubakar Audu University, and FUTO.

Others factors include the payment of outstanding 25-35% salary arrears, payment of promotion arrears for over four years and release of withheld third-party deductions (cooperative contributions, union check-off dues)

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will broadcast to the nation on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7 a.m., in commemoration of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

All television, radio stations, and other electronic media outlets are urged to join the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

The announcement was made by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy).

In a related development, the federal government has announced the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, which was previously scheduled for the same day.

The government clarified that this decision does not diminish the significance of the milestone and that all other anniversary programs will proceed as planned.

The government expressed regret for any inconvenience and appreciated the understanding of the public, while also urging Nigerians to support the president’s reforms.