UN expert on religious freedom visits Nigeria

The United Nations’ senior expert on religious freedom began a two‑week visit to Nigeria on Monday, following a year‑long diplomatic dispute over accusations of Christian persecution that had stirred political tensions in the country.

The United States had amplified the allegation—long promoted by fringe religious and political groups—to the highest levels of government as it prepared for a bombing campaign against Nigerian jihadists. The U.S. has since deployed troops to Nigeria and announced a renewed focus on combating Islamic State‑linked militants in the region.

Researchers note that the situation on the ground is more complex. Jihadist activity is strongest in Nigeria’s Muslim‑majority north, meaning most victims of attacks are likely Muslim. Suicide bombings in the Muslim‑majority city of Maiduguri in March and December—attributed to Boko Haram—targeted a crowded market and a mosque, respectively.

United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion and Belief Nazila Ghanea will visit Abuja, the capital, as well as Kano, the economic hub of the north, and Jos in the religiously mixed Plateau state. The announcement of the trip, made over the weekend, was brief, stating that Ghanea would “identify existing and emerging obstacles” to religious freedom.

Nigeria has faced broader criticism for its blasphemy laws, particularly in northern states that have adopted sharia law based on the Quran. With a population of about 230 million, the country is roughly split between a predominantly Christian south and a Muslim‑majority north, and millions of people live together peacefully.

However, the country has also experienced sectarian violence. Major riots have occurred along religious and ethnic lines, including in Jos in 2008 and in Mangu, also in Plateau state, in 2024.

The Nigerian government rejects allegations of Christian persecution or genocide—claims that were once raised by U.S. President Donald Trump—and many independent researchers share this view. Those who support the accusation often cite farmer‑herder clashes, which frequently involve Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers, rather than jihadist groups.

Experts argue that the conflict is driven more by expanding populations, shrinking land due to climate change, and a weak police force that cannot prevent violence, creating an environment of impunity and reprisals.

Nigeria has turned Trump’s diplomatic pressure into deeper military cooperation in its long‑running fight against jihadists. On the diplomatic front, top U.S. officials continue to assert that Christians are particularly at risk.

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