By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
LAST FEW days’ growing tension between Aso Rock and the White House over alleged attacks on Christians in Nigeria has prompted President Bola Tinubu to seek a meeting with United States President Donald Trump.
Nigeria’s government notes that the planned dialogue aims to address concerns following her inclusion on a U.S. watch list for alleged violations of religious freedom.
Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on Policy Communication, confirmed the development in a statement, explaining that the meeting would focus on strengthening cooperation in the global fight against terrorism and religious extremism.
He said both leaders share a strong commitment to counterinsurgency and counterterrorism, citing Trump’s previous support for Nigeria through arms sales that Tinubu’s administration has effectively deployed in ongoing security operations.
Bwala stated, “Both President Bola Tinubu and President Donald Trump have shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism against humanity.
President Trump has also assisted Nigeria a lot by authorising the sale of arms to Nigeria, and President Tinubu has adequately utilised the opportunity in the fight against terrorism, for which we have massive results to show.”
The announcement follows Trump’s recent comments accusing the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to what he described as a “genocide of Christians.”
The U.S. President had threatened to launch military strikes to “wipe out” terrorists responsible for the killings if the Nigerian government failed to act.
He also warned that the United States might cut off all aid and assistance to Nigeria should the attacks continue.
Bwala clarified that while there may be differences in perception over whether terrorists in Nigeria specifically target Christians or attack people of all faiths, such issues would be discussed and resolved at the forthcoming meeting.
He added that the discussions could take place either at the State House in Abuja or at the White House in Washington, depending on logistical arrangements between both governments.
He explained, “As for the differences as to whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or in fact all faiths and no faiths, the differences, if they exist, would be discussed and resolved by the two leaders when they meet in the coming days, either in State House or White House.”
The Nigerian government has consistently denied allegations of religious persecution, maintaining that the country’s security challenges are rooted in terrorism, banditry, and communal conflicts rather than faith-based violence.
Authorities have also argued that Nigeria remains a secular democracy where freedom of religion and belief are constitutionally protected.
Responding to Trump’s statement, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, also said President Tinubu was “well ahead of the orchestrated game unfolding in America.”
He noted that the President had already directed newly appointed service chiefs to deliver tangible results in restoring peace and order across all regions affected by insecurity.
Onanuga stated that Tinubu’s administration remains focused on strengthening internal security architecture and cooperating with global partners on intelligence and counterterrorism efforts.
“President Tinubu is fully committed to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges in a comprehensive and sustainable way,” he said. “Our government does not discriminate along religious or ethnic lines. Terrorism affects all Nigerians, regardless of faith.”
The planned high-level meeting comes amid rising diplomatic pressure from Washington following Trump’s decision to place Nigeria on the U.S. Department of State’s “Countries of Particular Concern” list, a designation reserved for nations accused of severe violations of religious freedom.
The classification was accompanied by statements from U.S. lawmakers calling for Nigeria to take stronger measures against religiously motivated violence.
Riley Moore, a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, issued a public warning to Nigeria over what he described as targeted attacks on Christians.
Writing on X, Moore said, “President Trump has provided forewarning. If you do not correct the current state of inaction to stop the killing of our brothers and sisters in Christ in your country, the days of the U.S. looking the other way are over.”
He urged the Nigerian government to cooperate with the United States to prevent further bloodshed, adding, “We want your people to live in peace, all of them, especially Christians. The President has been clear. I would not test his resolve. Many have tried and all have failed. We will not allow the gates of hell to prevail against the faithful.”
Sources close to Nigeria’s diplomatic mission in Washington said preliminary consultations were already underway to finalise details of the Tinubu-Trump meeting.
According to them, discussions would focus on de-escalating diplomatic tensions, clarifying Nigeria’s position on religious freedom, and reinforcing bilateral cooperation on counterterrorism and intelligence sharing.
Trump’s recent statements have reignited debate over the U.S. role in Africa’s internal security matters and the extent of Washington’s willingness to use military power to address human rights or religious issues.
Analysts say the forthcoming meeting could shape the tone of future U.S.-Nigeria relations, particularly regarding security collaboration and religious rights advocacy.
The Nigerian government has also expressed optimism that the meeting will provide an opportunity to clear misconceptions and reaffirm both countries shared interest in peace and stability.
Officials say Tinubu will use the engagement to highlight Nigeria’s progress in tackling insurgency and to seek continued U.S. support in intelligence, equipment, and strategic partnerships.
While no official date has been released, both governments have signalled that the meeting will take place soon. Diplomats’ familiar with the discussions described it as “a crucial dialogue to restore trust and reinforce mutual understanding between the two administrations.”
