Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and security must not be ignored, by Olufemi Soneye

*Nigeria’s future will be determined not by external labels, including United States President’s recent decision to classify the country as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ but by continued domestic progress, constructive diplomacy and genuine international partnership

Olufemi Soneye

The recent decision by the United States (US) to classify Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” has stirred global attention, but it also risks overlooking significant reforms and security gains currently underway in Africa’s largest democracy.

While Nigeria faces undeniable security and religious-tolerance challenges, the narrative is incomplete without acknowledging the deliberate steps the Tinubu administration has taken to uphold religious freedom, protect communities and restore stability.

Since assuming office, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration has treated national security and unity with urgency.

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Renewed counter-terrorism operations have disrupted major insurgent networks across the North-East, while intensified intelligence-led deployments in the North-Central region continue to reduce farmer-herder clashes.

In the North-West, coordinated Military offensives are degrading bandit networks, and enhanced maritime security in the Niger Delta and Gulf of Guinea has significantly reduced piracy and oil theft, safeguarding both lives and national assets.

Beyond security operations, the government has strengthened community-reconciliation programs and socio-economic interventions to address the root causes of conflict.

Humanitarian support for displaced persons has expanded, interfaith dialogue platforms have been reinforced, and community policing frameworks are being enhanced.

Importantly, the rights of Nigerians to freely worship, whether Christian, Muslim or of other faiths, remain guaranteed and actively defended, with the President consistently affirming that no citizen’s safety or religious liberty should be compromised.

Simultaneously, the administration has implemented economic reforms that may be unpopular in some quarters, yet are necessary to reset the economy after years of structural strain.

Fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate alignment and stricter fiscal discipline are intended to stabilise the macro-economic environment, attract investment and lay a foundation for sustainable growth.

In such a delicate phase, a designation of this nature risks unsettling investor confidence and placing additional stress on an economy that is fragile but recovering.

Conversations with officials and policy experts in Washington, where I have previously served, reveal that documentary and video evidence, along with direct engagement with victims and advocacy groups, informed the United States Government’s decision. Whether one agrees with Washington’s conclusion or not, its position is based on intelligence assessments and survivor testimonies.

Nigeria must, therefore, respond with clarity and confidence.

What Nigeria confronts is persistent terrorism, and few nations have invested as many lives, resources and political effort in fighting violent extremism and protecting religious communities.

Nigeria’s vibrant civil society, independent media remain important instruments of accountability.  International partners, including the European Union (EU) and the United Nations (UN), have recognised Nigeria’s renewed commitment to inclusive governance and rule of law.

Nigeria welcomes constructive international engagement.

To this end, government should deepen dialogue with Washington, share intelligence, carefully review the evidence cited and provide additional context on verified terrorist activities affecting communities of all faiths.

Cooperative engagement, rather than isolation, will help ensure mutual understanding and prevent misrepresentation of the realities on the ground.

Labels of this nature can embolden extremist narratives, unsettle markets, and undermine ongoing reforms aimed at building a safer and more prosperous nation.

The United States remains a strategic partner, and sustained engagement based on mutual respect and shared democratic values remains essential. Nigeria’s path forward requires collaboration and dialogue, particularly at a time when reforms are beginning to yield gradual progress.

Nigeria acknowledges its challenges, and is addressing them with resolve and reforms.

The nation’s future will be determined not by external labels, but by continued domestic progress, constructive diplomacy and genuine international partnership.

*Soneye is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, communications strategist and ex-Chief Corporate Communications Officer of NNPC Limited.