Nigerian President Bola Tinubu named a former intelligence chief as his top envoy to the US, seeking to ease tensions after Donald Trump warned of possible military action over claims that Christians are being systematically killed by Islamist militants in the West African nation.

Nigeria’s central bank held interest rates steady to maintain downward pressure on inflation, defying widespread expectations for a cut.

Nigeria said the US is ready to help it tackle violent extremism that President Donald Trump has characterized as targeting Christians in the West African nation.