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Nigeria’s government advocacy group has called on the United States to support President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda rather than promoting what it describes as misleading narratives about the country’s internal situation.
The Tinubu Media Force (TMF), through its National Coordinator Mr. Gbenga Abiola, urged international partners to collaborate with Nigeria to advance shared democratic and economic values instead of issuing critical remarks that could damage the nation’s global standing.
“Nigeria remains the anchor of Africa,” Abiola stated. “The nation’s stability is essential for continental peace and development.” He emphasized that President Tinubu’s leadership has positioned Nigeria on a path toward renewal and sustainable growth through his Renewed Hope Agenda.
According to the TMF, the Tinubu administration inherited significant challenges upon taking office but has begun reversing what it characterizes as decades of weak governance through bold reforms. These efforts include strengthening national security, improving intelligence coordination, and prioritizing the welfare of security personnel.
The group cited official figures indicating substantial security gains over the past two years. The armed forces reportedly neutralized more than 6,200 terrorists, arrested 14,000 suspects, and rescued 5,000 kidnapped victims during this period. To support these security improvements, the defense budget increased nearly fourfold, rising from N1.25 trillion in 2023 to N4.91 trillion in 2025—reportedly the largest allocation in recent Nigerian history.
Additional security measures include tripling annual police recruitment from 10,000 to 30,000 officers, a move intended to enhance community policing and crime prevention nationwide. Abiola claimed these measures have reduced coordinated attacks in the troubled North West and North Central regions of the country.
The TMF statement comes as a direct response to recent comments by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria. Abiola firmly dismissed these claims as “false and divisive,” stating there is no credible evidence of Christian genocide in the country.
“Such incidents are isolated criminal acts rather than religiously-motivated violence,” Abiola said. He stressed that all acts of violence in Nigeria are treated as national crimes without ethnic or religious bias, and that no policy under President Tinubu supports sectarian persecution or discrimination.
The group warned that attempts to destabilize Nigeria would endanger the entire African continent due to the country’s strategic demographic and economic position. “Nigeria’s diversity is a strength that underpins its unity and development,” Abiola noted, calling on the international community to engage Nigeria in partnership rather than confrontation.
The statement also urged the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union to protect the continent’s sovereignty and defend its image against what it termed misinformation. Abiola reaffirmed that Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation, deserves respect, collaboration, and fair global engagement.
“A prosperous Nigeria means a stable Africa,” he concluded, “while foreign interference could jeopardize both.”
The controversy stems from Trump’s recent statements alleging targeted persecution of Christians in Nigeria, with threats of military action against terrorists. These remarks have sparked significant debate both within Nigeria and internationally about religious freedom and security in West Africa’s largest economy.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with complex security challenges, including insurgency in the northeast and banditry in other regions, the Tinubu administration faces the dual challenge of implementing effective domestic reforms while managing international perceptions and relationships during a time of global political transitions.
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8 Comments
It’s encouraging to hear about Nigeria’s Renewed Hope Agenda and efforts to spur economic growth. However, international partners should maintain a balanced perspective and carefully monitor the implementation of reforms to ensure they benefit all Nigerians.
Strengthening national security and intelligence coordination are important priorities, but the administration must also focus on tackling corruption, protecting human rights, and uplifting marginalized communities. Progress requires a holistic approach.
That’s a fair point. Any reforms will need to address the root causes of Nigeria’s problems, not just the symptoms. A balanced strategy is crucial.
While the administration’s focus on security and economic progress is commendable, it’s important not to dismiss valid concerns about human rights and governance issues. A truly sustainable future for Nigeria requires a balanced and inclusive approach.
Promoting Nigeria’s stability is important for the entire African continent. But the government must be willing to engage in open and honest dialogue with critics to address legitimate concerns and build trust with its citizens and global partners.
Well said. Transparency and accountability will be crucial to the success of Nigeria’s reform agenda and its standing on the world stage.
It’s good to see Nigeria taking steps to address its challenges and promote progress. However, it’s important to maintain transparency and accountability to ensure real, sustainable change. Continued support from international partners will be crucial.
I agree, reforms need to be substantive and implemented properly to have a lasting impact. Constructive dialogue between Nigeria and its allies will be key.