Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has written to U.S. President Donald Trump, refuting claims that Christians are being systematically targeted or killed in Nigeria.
In an open letter posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Keyamo dismissed Trump’s allegations as “false and unfair,” insisting they do not reflect the lived reality of Nigerians across faiths.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), who has spent decades as a human rights lawyer, urged Trump to verify his sources before making sweeping claims capable of damaging Nigeria’s global image.
“It would have been unconscionable for me to serve in any government that targets Christians,” Keyamo wrote.
“It is simply not true that Christians are being specifically targeted in Nigeria for persecution or killings on account of their faith.”
‘I Was Born Christian, I Know The Truth’
Keyamo said he was born and raised as a Christian and has never witnessed or tolerated any form of government-backed persecution against believers. He reminded Trump of his long-standing commitment to human rights and his recognition by international bodies, including the Global Human Rights Award he received in Washington, D.C., in 2017 from the U.S. Global Leadership Council.
He stressed that his public life and legal activism have always centered on justice, equity, and the defense of the oppressed — irrespective of religion or ethnicity.
“As someone who grew up within the Christian community and has fought for human rights all my life, I can confidently state that Christians in Nigeria are not being hunted for their faith,” he said.
Violence Not Religious, But Criminal And Terrorist
The minister argued that Nigeria’s violent conflicts have been mostly driven by terrorism, banditry, and criminal activity — not religion. He cited the activities of Boko Haram, armed herdsmen, and cattle rustlers, noting that their victims cut across religious and ethnic lines.
According to Keyamo, these security challenges predate the current administration and cannot be described as religious wars.
“What Nigeria faces today is a decades-long problem of terrorism and violent crime,” he said.
“Christians, Muslims, and even traditionalists have all suffered. No group has been singled out.”
Tinubu’s Government Promotes Religious Balance
Defending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Keyamo described him as a “deeply tolerant and moderate” Muslim who has demonstrated commitment to religious inclusion. He highlighted the fact that Tinubu’s wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is a pastor in one of Nigeria’s largest Pentecostal churches, while several of his children are practising Christians.
The minister also noted that many of the nation’s service chiefs and cabinet members under Tinubu’s administration are Christians — a sign that the government operates under a secular and inclusive framework.
“Nigeria’s Constitution makes our country a secular state,” he reminded.
“It guarantees freedom of religion and forbids the adoption of any state faith. The government has never protected one group while oppressing another.”
‘Opposition Agrees — There’s No Targeted Killing’
Keyamo further claimed that even opposition leaders — often quick to attack government failures — have publicly acknowledged that the narrative of targeted Christian killings in Nigeria is false.
He argued that international groups and media organizations have sometimes relied on biased or politically motivated reports, which distort the complex realities on the ground.
“There’s a deliberate attempt by some foreign interests to simplify Nigeria’s insecurity into a religious conflict. That’s not only inaccurate but dangerous,” he said.
Appeal To Trump: Seek Balanced Information
Keyamo urged the former U.S. president to rely on credible diplomatic channels and independent verification instead of emotionally charged media reports or faith-based lobby groups.
He appealed to Trump to adopt a constructive stance that would help strengthen Nigeria-U.S. cooperation in fighting terrorism and religious extremism across Africa.
“The Nigerian people ask for sincere understanding, cooperation, and open dialogue with your government,” Keyamo said.
“We ask that you broaden your sources of information to gain a balanced view of events in Nigeria.”
He expressed confidence that closer partnership between Washington and Abuja could help tackle insurgency in the Sahel and improve intelligence sharing.
“This is not the time for division. It is the time for global unity against terror,” he wrote.
Critics React To Keyamo’s Letter
Reactions have trailed Keyamo’s open letter, with some Nigerians praising his effort to defend the country’s image, while others accused him of downplaying real cases of religious violence.
Human rights activists said that while there may not be a government policy targeting Christians, faith-based violence remains a painful reality in some regions.
“The minister’s defense is partly valid,” said a Kaduna-based rights advocate.
“But denying that Christians have suffered because of their faith oversimplifies a deep and complicated crisis.”
Political analysts also noted that Keyamo’s statement was strategically timed to cool diplomatic tensions following Trump’s alleged comments linking Nigerian leaders to Christian persecution.
Call For Stronger Ties, Not Accusations
Concluding his letter, Keyamo reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to religious harmony, justice, and peace. He said both nations share long-standing ties that should not be damaged by misinformation or stereotypes.
“Nigeria stands ready to work with all partners, including the United States, to ensure peace, development, and religious freedom for all,” he wrote.
Keyamo signed the open letter in his capacity as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK).
His statement comes amid heightened diplomatic debates over alleged Christian genocide in Nigeria a claim that continues to stir controversy in both local and international circles.
