Nigerian Minister Demands Full Broadcast of Piers Morgan Interview to Avoid ‘Distortion’

Abuja, Nigeria

Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has publicly demanded that his recent interview on Piers Morgan Uncensored be aired in full and without edits, arguing that any selective editing could distort Nigeria’s image.

In a post shared on the social media platform X on Wednesday, Mr. Tuggar stated that he appeared on the programme to offer a “factual and contextual perspective” on allegations of religious persecution in Nigeria.

Concerns Over Selective Editing

The Minister expressed concern that any omission could fuel “misleading narratives” and external biases regarding religious freedoms in the country.

• Demand for Transparency: Mr. Tuggar insisted that his explanations were supported by verifiable data, even if they did not align with certain “preconceived views.” He stressed that “for the sake of integrity and transparency, it is essential that the full interview be aired exactly as recorded, without edits or selective omissions.”
• Defending Nigeria’s Image: He added that “Nigeria’s truth must not be distorted to fit external biases.”

Reaffirming Constitutional Protections

The Minister’s demand comes as international concerns over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria have resurfaced, particularly in the United States.

Mr. Tuggar has repeatedly denied the claims, recently stating that it is “impossible” for the Nigerian government to persecute any citizen on religious grounds. He argues that Nigeria’s constitution guarantees freedom of religion and upholds the rule of law, making state-backed discrimination “unthinkable.”

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a report dismissing claims of a “Christian genocide,” urging analysts to adopt a “more nuanced and balanced understanding” of the country’s complex ethno-religious dynamics.

Despite these clarifications, the US has previously designated Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over concerns about attacks against Christians. The complete version of the Minister’s interview has not yet been released on the official platforms for Piers Morgan Uncensored.