Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and US President Donald Trump are set to meet in the coming days to discuss rising tensions between the two countries over allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.
According to Daniel Bwala, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, the meeting will take place either at Nigeria’s State House or the White House. The meeting aims to resolve differences over Trump’s decision to place Nigeria on a US State Department watch list for alleged violations of religious freedom.
Bwala said both leaders share a commitment to fighting terrorism and noted that Trump had previously supported Nigeria by authorizing the sale of arms for counter-insurgency operations. “Both leaders share a commitment to fighting terrorism,” he said.
The presidential spokesperson added that President Tinubu has “adequately utilized” those resources with “massive results.” Bwala also stated that any differences over whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or people of all faiths would be discussed and resolved when both presidents meet.
The development comes after Trump reportedly asked the Pentagon to consider possible military action against armed groups in Nigeria. Nigeria has rejected the claim of religious persecution, describing it as a mischaracterization of its religious reality.
