Key Points
- The minister says Tinubu will travel when conditions allow. He spoke on Channels Television on Friday.
- Idris reminded viewers that the president has visited the US before. He said he accompanied Tinubu to the UN.
- The government rejects the genocide label and seeks diplomatic solutions. Officials are using talks and delegation visits.
Mohammed Idris said President Bola Tinubu (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) will visit the United States when the situation is right for him to go. He made the comment during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, November 21, 2025.
Idris told viewers that Tinubu has already been to America and that he accompanied the president to the UN when he took office.
The minister said the government is working through diplomatic channels to address US concerns and to calm tensions. Read more: Tinubu meets JD Vance in U S security talks
The minister said the administration does not accept the genocide label and is responding to security problems with clear actions.
He described the violence as driven by extremist groups and regional conflicts rather than targeted religious persecution. Idris emphasised that both Christians and Muslims die in attacks across Nigeria.
What the administration says about timing
Idris said the president will meet US officials when diplomatic conditions make the visit useful and safe. He noted that Abuja is engaging with partners and sending delegations to explain the facts. The minister said the government wants talks that will help reduce violence and restore calm.
Officials have sent a team led by the national security adviser to Washington to discuss the issue with US lawmakers and officials.
The trip aims to explain Nigeria’s actions and to ask for support on intelligence and security cooperation. The government hopes such meetings will ease tensions and prevent escalation.
Reaction and next steps
Some lawmakers and groups urge faster action to protect citizens and to show proof of progress. Others call for measured diplomacy and clear data before any foreign action. The administration says it will continue outreach while it strengthens security operations.
Idris used a short quoted line to summarise the view and frame timing for a meeting. “We believe that he will go once the situation is right for him to go,” the minister said.
He also noted that prior US visits and meetings remain part of their engagement record. Read more: Nigeria rejects Trump’s country of concern tag defends religious freedom
