The Nigerian Senate has constituted a 12-member ad-hoc committee to formulate a legislative response to growing international concerns about alleged state-backed persecution of Christians in Nigeria, particularly claims raised by the United States Government.
The committee was set up on Tuesday following a closed-door session where senators deliberated on recent statements from Washington suggesting that some violent incidents in parts of Nigeria may amount to acts of genocide against Christians.
This development marks a significant move by the National Assembly to safeguard Nigeria’s international reputation and address what lawmakers describe as misleading narratives on the country’s security and religious landscape.
Members of the Senate Ad-Hoc Committee
- The 12-member committee includes:
- Senator Victor Umeh
- Senator Yemi Adaramodu
- Senator Aniekan Bassey
- Senator Niyi Adegbonmire
- Senator Abdul Ningi
- Senator Titus Zam
- Senator Tony Nwoye
- Senator Tahir Munguno
- Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong
(Three additional members are expected to be named later)
The committee has been tasked with producing a comprehensive position paper that will articulate the Senate’s stance, provide verifiable data and facts, and serve as a basis for diplomatic engagement with international stakeholders.
Senate President: “We Must Correct Misconceptions”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who announced the committee’s formation, emphasized the importance of evidence-based reporting in responding to external allegations.
“There are misconceptions that need to be corrected. We are dealing with a complex terrorist threat, and it’s important that our counterparts in the US understand that the violence affects both Christians and Muslims,” Akpabio said.
He also floated the idea of a delegation of lawmakers visiting the United States to directly engage with members of the US Congress, offering Nigeria’s perspective and correcting what he described as “damaging misrepresentations.”
Background and Context
The Senate’s action comes in the wake of diplomatic unease over accusations of religiously targeted violence in Nigeria — allegations which have drawn international media attention and concern from US lawmakers.
The move was sparked by a motion from Senator Ali Ndume, which prompted a broader debate among lawmakers on the global misinterpretation of Nigeria’s internal security challenges.
Many senators argued that while the concerns may be well-intentioned, they often result in misinformation that undermines Nigeria’s image, foreign relations, and investment climate.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim called for Nigeria’s counterterrorism narrative to be grounded in data and knowledge-based strategies, stressing the need for better international communication on the nature of the country’s challenges.
The ad-hoc committee is expected to draft a position document addressing the allegations, recommend ways to engage with foreign parliaments, particularly the US Congress, propose legislative and diplomatic strategies for reinforcing Nigeria’s image abroad
A timeline for the committee’s report and international engagements is expected to be released in the coming weeks.
