Former Nigerian Senate Leader Ali Ndume has warned that Nigeria’s international image could face further damage if the government fails to urgently respond to the United States’ recent classification of the country as a “Country of Particular Concern.”
In a statement issued in Abuja, Ndume urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to deploy experienced diplomats to engage with Washington and prevent a deterioration of diplomatic relations.
“I have alerted the government; I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state. It isn’t about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern,” Ndume said.
He criticised both the Nigerian government and the Senate for downplaying allegations of Christian genocide made by U.S. lawmaker Riley Moore before the recent declaration by former President Donald Trump.
Ndume emphasised the need for fact-based diplomacy. “We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. We should demand that they hear the other side of the story from the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians, but Nigerians generally.”
He advised that Nigeria immediately enlist the help of respected diplomats to represent its interests globally. “Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage seasoned diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed at the United Nations.”
Ndume also stressed the importance of discussions with the U.S. mission in Abuja. “They should engage the American Embassy in Nigeria because they have the facts.”
The senator said the country could still “change the narrative” by providing accurate information about its internal security situation.
He maintained that despite the U.S. designation, Nigeria should continue to enjoy military cooperation with Washington, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had announced the designation in a Truth Social post on Friday, which was later shared on the White House’s official X (Twitter) handle.
