The Nigerian government has reaffirmed its position as a model of peace and stability in Africa, dismissing claims of religious persecution and emphasizing that the country’s legal system contains no offence of blasphemy.

Dunoma Ahmed, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, made the remarks on Wednesday during a briefing for members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja. He highlighted that public-order laws are religion-neutral and designed to protect all communities equally.

Ahmed explained that Sharia laws, which exist in some northern states, apply only to Muslims and operate under the supervision of the secular judiciary. Both Christian and Muslim institutions continue to function freely, fostering peaceful coexistence.

“Nigeria’s national legal framework contains no offence of blasphemy. The existing public-order laws are religion-neutral and protect all communities equally from incitement to violence,” Ahmed said.
“Sharia laws, limited to some northern states, apply only to Muslims and remain under the oversight of the secular judiciary. Christian and Muslim institutions operate freely, promoting peaceful coexistence. Nigeria is a resilient and vibrant democracy confronting complex security challenges, not a state of religious persecution.”

The government expressed concern over what it described as “unfounded and disparaging rhetoric” regarding the country’s security situation and called for a more accurate understanding of Nigeria’s religious and political context. Ahmed stressed that the nation represents a unique model of religious pluralism within a constitutional democracy and affirmed the country’s commitment to cooperation and mutual respect with the international community to foster peace and prosperity.