*Says Labeling Nigeria as Religiously Intolerant Does Not Reflect Reality
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed claims that Nigeria is hostile to religious freedom, insisting that the country remains committed to protecting the rights of citizens of all faiths.
His remarks come in response to a statement by former United States President Donald Trump, who on Friday designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged persecution of Christians.
Trump, in a post on his Truth Social account later shared by the White House on X, claimed that Christianity in Nigeria faces an “existential threat,” alleging that “thousands of Christians are being killed” by “radical Islamists.”
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” Trump wrote, calling on U.S. lawmakers to investigate the situation and report back. He argued that the United States “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect Christians globally.
Responding in a post on X on Saturday, Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and constitutional guarantees of religious liberty for all citizens.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across faiths and regions.”
The President rejected the notion that Nigeria encourages religious persecution, stressing that the country’s diversity remains a pillar of national unity.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he said.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
Tinubu also emphasized his administration’s commitment to international cooperation.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” he added.
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