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Nigeria Rejects Religious Aid, Advocates Trade Partnerships

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

Mohammed Idris Malagi, Nigeria's Information Minister, said foreign aid with religious stipulations risks deepening divisions.
He noted Nigeria's population of 230 million.
He emphasized Nigeria's preference for aid without religious classifications and development through trade.
The remarks came during Nigeria's first state visit to the United Kingdom in 37 years to strengthen partnerships amid aid cuts, and climate change is a threat that worsens food insecurity and resource conflicts.

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Story summary

Mohammed Idris Malagi, Nigeria's Information Minister, said foreign aid with religious stipulations risks deepening divisions.
He noted Nigeria's population of 230 million.
He emphasized Nigeria's preference for aid without religious classifications and development through trade.
The remarks came during Nigeria's first state visit to the United Kingdom in 37 years to strengthen partnerships amid aid cuts, and climate change is a threat that worsens food insecurity and resource conflicts.