Nigeria says 'diplomatic spat' with US over insecurity 'resolved'

The Nigerian government has said its recent diplomatic spat with the United States, in which President Donald Trump threatened military intervention over the alleged persecution of Christians, "has been largely resolved."

Trump unexpectedly criticised the West African nation in October and November, saying that Christians there faced an "existential threat" that amounted to "genocide" amid Nigeria's insecurity challenges.

"The recent diplomatic spat with the United States has been largely resolved through a firm, respectful engagement culminating in a strengthened partnership between America and Nigeria," Nigeria's Information Minister Mohammed Idris said at a year-end news conference in the capital, Abuja.

Nigeria's government and independent analysts reject framing the country's insecurity in terms of religious persecution.

Aid deal

Idris's comments came after Nigeria hosted a US congressional delegation earlier this month.

Last week, Nigeria was among the countries hit by visa and immigration restrictions laid out by the Trump administration.

Nigeria faces a terrorist threat in its northeast as well as armed "bandit" gangs which loot villages and conduct kidnappings for ransom in the northwest.

Speaking to reporters, Idris also defended a recent aid deal which will see Washington contribute $2.1 billion, with what the State Department characterised as "a strong emphasis on promoting Christian faith-based health care providers."

"Every Nigerian is going to be a beneficiary of this arrangement," Idris said.