The reported trip by President Bola Tinubu to Washington for peace talks with U.S. President Donald Trump has been shelved, despite mounting diplomatic strain over America’s warning on alleged religious persecution in Nigeria.
Multiple presidency sources confirmed that no travel or bilateral meeting has been approved yet, even though behind-the-scenes discussions are ongoing, The News Chronicle gathered.
“A Washington visit is not confirmed. Engagements are happening, but a face-to-face meeting is not on the table for now,” a senior presidential official revealed.
Instead, Tinubu is expected at the G-20 Summit in Durban, South Africa on November 20, viewed as the earliest possible venue for a first Tinubu-Trump encounter.
Speculation about an imminent meeting had intensified after presidential aide Daniel Bwala claimed both leaders were preparing to meet in Abuja or Washington to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation.
Bwala insisted Trump previously backed Nigeria by approving arms sales and that Tinubu had continued to leverage U.S. support in the fight against terror groups.
Recall that the diplomatic friction deepened after Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” and threatened military intervention over what he described as targeted killings of Christians.
“If the killings continue, the U.S. may go in guns-a-blazing,” Trump warned, directing the Department of War to prepare for possible action.
He vowed that the strike would be “fast, vicious and sweet.”
In a swift reaction, the Nigerian presidency swiftly rejected allegations of religious genocide, defending the country’s constitutional guarantee of religious freedom.
Tinubu stressed that his administration engages both Christian and Muslim leaders and addresses security threats affecting all citizens, not a specific faith group.
“Nigeria is a democracy with constitutional religious liberty. The portrayal of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect reality.”
He emphasized that government policy does not support persecution of any religious group and reaffirmed readiness to work with global partners including the U.S. to promote peace and protect communities nationwide.
“We remain committed to safeguarding all Nigerians and strengthening cooperation with our international allies.”
