Opinion: Nigeria’s Commitment to Religious Freedom, Security Must Not Be Ignored
Olufemi Soneye argues that the United States’ recent designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) risks overlooking significant reforms and security gains achieved under the Tinubu administration.
While acknowledging Nigeria faces “undeniable security and religious-tolerance challenges,” Soneye insists the national narrative must include the deliberate steps taken by the government to protect religious freedom and restore stability.
The opinion piece highlights the urgency with which the Tinubu administration has approached national security and unity
Renewed operations have successfully disrupted major insurgent networks in the Northeast.
Intensified, intelligence-led deployments in the North-Central region are aimed at reducing farmer-herder clashes.
Coordinated military offensives are working to degrade bandit networks in the Northwest, while enhanced maritime security has significantly reduced piracy and oil theft.
Beyond military action, the government is focusing on the root causes of conflict through reconciliation and socio-economic interventions. Soneye notes the expansion of humanitarian support, the reinforcement of interfaith dialogue platforms, and the strengthening of community policing.
Crucially, he states that the rights of Nigerians to freely worship are “guaranteed and actively defended.”
Economic Reforms and Investor Confidence
Soneye touches on the administration’s implementation of economic reforms, acknowledging that measures like fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate alignment, and stricter fiscal discipline are unpopular but necessary to reset the economy. He warns that the CPC designation, at this delicate phase of recovery, risks unsettling investor confidence and placing additional stress on the fragile economy.
Drawing on experience in Washington, Soneye notes that the US decision was informed by intelligence, documentary evidence, and engagement with victims and advocacy groups. He stresses that whether one agrees with the conclusion or not, Nigeria must respond with “clarity and confidence.”
Soneye urges the government to:
Deepen dialogue with Washington.
Share intelligence and review the evidence cited by the US.
Provide additional context on verified terrorist activities that affect citizens of all faiths.
He concludes that labels like the CPC designation can embolden extremist narratives and undermine ongoing reforms. Soneye maintains that the path forward requires constructive diplomacy and collaboration with strategic partners like the United States, arguing that Nigeria’s future will ultimately be determined by domestic progress and genuine international partnership, not external labels.
