PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly countered United States President Donald Trump’s claim that Nigeria is facing widespread religious persecution, insisting that the country remains committed to protecting freedom of worship for all citizens.
Trump, in a social media post on Friday, redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” and alleged that Christians in the country were being systematically targeted and killed.
He wrote: “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed.”
However, in a firm response issued via his official social media account sighted by News Point Nigeria on Saturday, President Tinubu dismissed Trump’s assertions as inaccurate and harmful to Nigeria’s global reputation.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said.
He stressed that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has been actively engaging both Muslim and Christian religious leaders to ensure peaceful coexistence and address security challenges affecting Nigerians irrespective of faith.
“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 belief for all Nigerians.”
The President reiterated that religious tolerance is central to the nation’s identity, pointing out that Nigeria’s constitution protects people of all faiths and that government policies reflect that commitment.
Tinubu further assured international partners, including the United States of Nigeria’s willingness to foster stronger cooperation to protect communities vulnerable to extremist violence.
“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he affirmed.
“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.”
