Disclaimer of Media Report

The Embassy of Nigeria, Washington, DC, United States of America has noted with concern recent media coverage of the so-called Osama Bin Laden tape in which the name of Nigeria was reported as one of the countries mentioned on the tape.

Senior officials of the Mission having listened to the recordings of the purported tape, the Embassy wishes to state categorically that nowhere in the tape was Nigeria mentioned. Rather, the country referred to, was another African country.

The Embassy also seizes this opportunity to refute the misconception in the same report that Nigeria is an Islamic State and call on the relevant media houses to please correct these serious misconceptions.

Nigeria, a constitutional democracy, is a secular state comprising adherents of Christianity, Islam and other religions.

Thanks.

A.A. Agada
Deputy Chief of Mission
Embassy of Nigeria
Washington, DC
February 13, 2003