We cannot accept conclusions that do not reflect the complexities of our security challenges.”
By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, on Tuesday disclosed that the Nigerian Parliament has formally conveyed to the United States Government its resolution rejecting Nigeria’s designation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) by President Donald Trump.
At a special plenary on national security, the Speaker and other lawmakers faulted the alleged claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s security challenges stem from multiple factors, including external influences.
In his opening address, Speaker Abbas said international developments around Nigeria’s security “deserve our careful attention,” especially the actions of the US Congress.
“The Nigeria Religious Freedom Accountability Act of 2025 was introduced in the United States Congress, which places Nigeria on the list of Countries of Particular Concern. The bill suggests that Nigeria permits or encourages religious persecution,” he said.
“Members may recall that this House extensively debated and unanimously rejected the claims. The government of Nigeria does not and will never support or sponsor violence against its citizens. We conveyed our resolutions to the United States Congress, the Department of State, and the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.”
The Speaker stressed the need to restate “Nigeria’s actual security reality,” noting that the country has invested heavily in combating insurgency and violent crimes for more than 15 years.
“It is true that in some communities, Christians have been targeted, just as Muslim communities have suffered similar attacks in others,” he added.
Abbas argued that a “more confident engagement” from the United States, particularly under President Trump, would support efforts to modernise equipment, improve training, and strengthen accountability mechanisms within Nigeria’s security architecture.
“Nigeria welcomes this prospect and is prepared to work transparently and responsibly with American institutions,” he stated. “Our sovereignty remains non-negotiable, yet partnership, especially when extended in good faith, can allow both countries to face shared threats with greater clarity and purpose.”
He insisted that violent attacks across the country were perpetrated by extremist groups and not by the Nigerian State.
“Terrorism, banditry, communal clashes, and extremist violence have brought suffering to Nigerians of all faiths. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and every institution of government remains committed to protecting that right,” he said.
“With this context in mind, Nigeria continues to welcome partnership and constructive engagement. At the same time, we cannot accept conclusions that do not reflect the complexities of our security challenges.”
Abbas said Nigeria’s response to the US Religious Freedom Accountability Bill had been “calm and measured,” noting that the country values its longstanding diplomatic relationship with Washington.
“I wish to reaffirm that dialogue is more productive than recrimination,” he added.
Referring to the recent meeting between Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, the Speaker said Nigeria is ready to strengthen cooperation.
“We are prepared to collaborate with partners on intelligence sharing, counterterrorism training, surveillance technology, and the disruption of financial networks linked to violent groups,” he said.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s security experience “carries its own hard truths,” but also includes critical moments of international support.
“During his presidency from 2017 to 2021, President Donald Trump broke with the hesitation of earlier administrations. He authorised the sale of the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft, a platform that transformed aspects of our counter-terrorism operations,” Abbas said.
“At a time when Nigeria struggled to access essential equipment, he was willing to do what others would not. That decision mattered. It saved lives, strengthened our capabilities, and signalled that Nigeria’s fight against terror was not ours alone to bear.”
He added that Trump’s renewed interest in Nigeria “is an encouraging signal that the door may once again be open for deeper security cooperation, free from old constraints, more attuned to Nigeria’s realities and shaped by mutual respect.”