The Nigerian Government has commended the government of the United States of America for acknowledging the country’s effort in operating a liberal, free and multi religious state as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
The Nigerian authorities said the United States did the right thing by removing Nigeria from its list of countries with religious freedom concerns, calling the decision fair and just.
In a statement issued in Paris, France, on Thursday, the country’s Information Minister, Alhaji Lai Mohammed reiterated his earlier stand when Nigeria was put on the list last year, that Nigeria does not engage in religious freedom violation or have a policy of religious persecution.
Alhaji Mohammed said Nigeria jealously protects religious freedom as enshrined in the country’s constitution and takes seriously any infringements in that regard.
”We will continue to ensure that every Nigerian has the freedom to practice his or her own chosen religion or belief without hindrance,” the Minister said, while commending religious leaders in the country who have been working to ensure religious harmony.
Recalled that the US had in 2020 placed Nigeria and six other countries on its special watch list of states that had engaged in or tolerated severe violation of religious freedom.
Nigeria is however found missing from the list of countries designated in the 2021 list for religious violations.
Lateefah Ibrahim
