The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, urging advertising and media professionals to help counter misinformation about the country.

Speaking on Saturday at the 5th National Advertising Conference organised by the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) in Abuja, Idris said narratives portraying Nigeria as hostile to religious freedom are misleading.

“While Nigeria faces significant security challenges, attacks by terrorists and armed groups are not directed at any particular religious or ethnic group,” the minister said.

He noted that the Federal Government has invested heavily in strengthening the nation’s security architecture and is committed to restoring stability across the country.

Idris also called on marketing and communication professionals to play an active role in shaping Nigeria’s public image, both domestically and internationally. “Advertisers are custodians of national image,” he said, “and should help counter misleading stories through factual and responsible communication.”

The minister’s comments come amid ongoing debates over alleged religious persecution in Nigeria, including recent reports by international bodies highlighting violence against religious communities.