Trump had redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular
concern” and threatened to go “gun-a-blazing” into Nigeria over alleged killing
of Christians.

Addressing State House correspondents on Tuesday, the
minister said the administration is engaging in proactive dialogue to address
misperceptions and reinforce national unity.

He added that Nigeria is a diverse, faith-inclusive country
where the constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and the presidency is
committed to protecting this right.

Idris said the matter with the US was “thoroughly”
discussed, and that the Nigerian government is taking deliberate measures to
correct the narrative.

He added that the president is calm and determined to ensure
the international community fully understands Nigeria’s policies and
commitments.

“Mr President is calm. He’s looking at the whole situation
and exploring ways to ensure the international community understands what
Nigeria has been doing,” Idris said.

Responding to foreign concerns, the minister noted that the
government cannot target citizens on religious grounds.

He highlight recent security and governance measures as
proof of a balanced approach designed to safeguard all citizens, regardless of
faith.

“What has happened is that we have these extremists who are
driving this narrative, and their desired outcome is to see that this country
is divided,” he said.

“Nigeria has Muslims and Christians and even those who do
not believe in any of these religions; and our constitution guarantees everyone
should practice their faith without hindrance, and Mr President is going to
respect that.”

The information minister noted that the government’s goal is
to tackle criminal elements while maintaining religious liberty and social
cohesion.

Idris also attributed misinformation to a small group
spreading divisive narratives and urged Nigerians to focus on shared ideals.

“This is not the time for division, this is not the time for
rhetoric,” he added.

‘WE’LL COME OUT OF THIS STRONGER’

On policy actions, Idris said a multi-layered engagement
strategy is in place, including continuous dialogue with religious leaders and
ongoing international outreach.

“Discussions with the leadership of religious groups are an
ongoing effort; Mr President has been meeting with them, and he will continue
to do so,” he said.

The minister noted that Nigeria engages with the
international community beyond the US, including regional and continental
bodies, to explain its approach to security and governance.

He described these efforts as essential to counter
misrepresentations and to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law
and constitutional rights for all.

Idris reaffirmed that Tinubu is “taking the situation very
seriously” and has directed relevant agencies to handle the issues with “all
the responsibility and depth they require”.

“At the end of the day, we believe that we will come out of
this stronger,” he said.

Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national
orientation, says President Bola Tinubu has “remained unshaken” despite threats
by US President Donald Trump.

Trump had redesignated Nigeria as a “country of particular
concern” and threatened to go “gun-a-blazing” into Nigeria over alleged killing
of Christians.

Addressing State House correspondents on Tuesday, the
minister said the administration is engaging in proactive dialogue to address
misperceptions and reinforce national unity.

He added that Nigeria is a diverse, faith-inclusive country
where the constitution guarantees freedom of worship, and the presidency is
committed to protecting this right.

Idris said the matter with the US was “thoroughly”
discussed, and that the Nigerian government is taking deliberate measures to
correct the narrative.

He added that the president is calm and determined to ensure
the international community fully understands Nigeria’s policies and
commitments.

“Mr President is calm. He’s looking at the whole situation
and exploring ways to ensure the international community understands what
Nigeria has been doing,” Idris said.

Responding to foreign concerns, the minister noted that the
government cannot target citizens on religious grounds.

He highlight recent security and governance measures as
proof of a balanced approach designed to safeguard all citizens, regardless of
faith.

“What has happened is that we have these extremists who are
driving this narrative, and their desired outcome is to see that this country
is divided,” he said.

“Nigeria has Muslims and Christians and even those who do
not believe in any of these religions; and our constitution guarantees everyone
should practice their faith without hindrance, and Mr President is going to
respect that.”

The information minister noted that the government’s goal is
to tackle criminal elements while maintaining religious liberty and social
cohesion.

Idris also attributed misinformation to a small group
spreading divisive narratives and urged Nigerians to focus on shared ideals.

“This is not the time for division, this is not the time for
rhetoric,” he added.

‘WE’LL COME OUT OF THIS STRONGER’

On policy actions, Idris said a multi-layered engagement
strategy is in place, including continuous dialogue with religious leaders and
ongoing international outreach.

“Discussions with the leadership of religious groups are an
ongoing effort; Mr President has been meeting with them, and he will continue
to do so,” he said.

The minister noted that Nigeria engages with the
international community beyond the US, including regional and continental
bodies, to explain its approach to security and governance.

He described these efforts as essential to counter
misrepresentations and to demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to the rule of law
and constitutional rights for all.

Idris reaffirmed that Tinubu is “taking the situation very
seriously” and has directed relevant agencies to handle the issues with “all
the responsibility and depth they require”.

“At the end of the day, we believe that we will come out of
this stronger,” he said.