Tinubu responds to Trump’s religious freedom label, reaffirms Nigeria’s commitment to tolerance

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected the characterisation of Nigeria as a country intolerant of religious freedom, following United States President Donald Trump’s declaration of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged religious persecution.

In a statement issued from the State House, Abuja, the President emphasised that Nigeria remains a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty, stressing that the administration has maintained open and active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders since 2023.

“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality,” President Tinubu stated. “It fails to take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.”

He reaffirmed that religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of Nigeria’s collective identity and national ethos, adding that his administration continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.

“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” the statement read. “Our constitution guarantees protection for citizens of all faiths, and our government remains steadfast in upholding those principles.”

President Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s commitment to work with the United States government and the wider international community to foster mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation in protecting communities of all religions.

“Nigeria’s democracy stands on the foundation of equality, freedom, and justice,” the President affirmed. “We will continue to promote unity and peaceful coexistence among our diverse religious communities.”

The President’s remarks come amid renewed debate on international assessments of religious freedom in Africa’s most populous nation.