President Bola Tinubu has said Nigeria remains calm and resolute in the face of recent threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, expressing optimism that the nation will emerge stronger through dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking after a meeting with the President at the Presidential Villa, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told journalists that the government was adopting a “multi-layered approach” to engage international partners and address Washington’s concerns.
“The President is calm and confident,” Idris said. “He believes Nigeria will come out of this stronger and more united.”
According to him, the Federal Government had opened new channels of communication with the United States, regional bodies, and international organisations to clarify Nigeria’s reforms and reaffirm its commitment to religious harmony.
“Mr President prefers constructive engagement over inflammatory rhetoric. He is ensuring that the world understands the genuine efforts Nigeria is making to secure its people and strengthen coexistence,” Idris stated.
He added that the Tinubu administration had already taken major steps to reinforce national security, including the appointment of new service chiefs, long before the latest comments from the U.S. president.
Idris also said the President had intensified consultations with Christian and Muslim leaders to promote unity and tolerance across the country.
“This is a time for nation-building, not division,” the minister said. “Nigeria is not a country of religious intolerance, as some may suggest. Extremists exist everywhere, but they do not define who we are.”
He reaffirmed that the Federal Government would continue to engage the international community to counter negative perceptions and enhance cooperation in addressing security and humanitarian challenges.
“The President has directed that all relevant authorities handle the matter with the seriousness and depth it deserves,” Idris noted. “We are confident that Nigeria’s relationship with its partners will remain strong and constructive.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that U.S. President Donald Trump had, over the weekend, threatened possible military action and suspension of aid to Nigeria over alleged anti-Christian violence, saying he had ordered the Department of War to “prepare for possible action.”
