President Bola Tinubu’s planned visit to the United States to address diplomatic tensions with the Trump administration will no longer proceed as initially reported, SaharaReporters has learned.

A presidency source confirmed that discussions with the White House are ongoing, but a face-to-face meeting with President Donald Trump is not yet scheduled. Instead, Tinubu is now expected to attend the G-20 Summit on November 20 in Durban, South Africa, which is being considered a viable opportunity for discussions with Trump.

“The meeting in Washington, D.C., is not going ahead as reported. Talks between the U.S. and Nigeria continue, but no in-person meeting has been arranged. Tinubu may meet Trump during the G-20 summit in Durban,” the source said.

Earlier reports suggested that Tinubu and Trump were expected to meet either at the State House in Abuja or the White House, focusing on counterterrorism cooperation and global security. Tinubu’s media aide, Daniel Bwala, highlighted that both leaders share a commitment to combating insurgency and terrorism.

Bwala also noted that the Trump administration has supported Nigeria’s security efforts, including the authorization of arms sales, which Tinubu’s government has utilized to strengthen national security. Any differences regarding terrorist targets in Nigeria are expected to be addressed during their forthcoming engagement.

The announcement comes amid warnings from Trump that the U.S. military may intervene in Nigeria if attacks against Christians do not cease. Trump stated that military action could be “fast, vicious, and sweet” to eliminate terrorist threats.

In response, the Nigerian Presidency denied allegations of religious persecution, emphasizing that Nigeria’s constitution protects freedom of religion and that the government engages actively with leaders of all faiths to ensure security and equality.

“Nigeria is a democracy that guarantees religious liberty. Our administration continues to engage Christian and Muslim leaders while addressing security challenges affecting all citizens,” President Tinubu said.

He stressed that claims of Nigeria being religiously intolerant misrepresent the country’s diversity and the government’s ongoing efforts to promote peaceful coexistence. Tinubu reaffirmed the commitment to religious freedom and tolerance as central to Nigeria’s national identity and pledged continued collaboration with international partners, including the United States, to protect all communities.