President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said the characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant by US President Donald Trump does not reflect national reality.
The Guardian reported that President Trump, on Friday, lamented that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria.” According to him, thousands of Christians are being killed, blaming radical Islamists for the mass slaughter.
“I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ — but that is the least of it. When Christians, or any such group, are slaughtered like is happening in Nigeria (3,100 versus 4,476 worldwide), something must be done!” he said.
He added, ‘I am asking Congressman Riley Moore, together with Chairman Tom Cole and the House Appropriations Committee, to immediately look into this matter and report back to me. The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria and numerous other countries. We stand ready, willing and able to save our great Christian population around the world.’
Reacting, President Tinubu, in a statement on Saturday, said Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
He stated that since 2023, his administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike, and continues to address security challenges that affect citizens across faiths and regions.
“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.
The President stated that religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of the collective identity of the people and will always remain so.
“Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.
“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.
“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 said.
Also on Saturday, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated that President Trump’s claims do not accurately reflect the situation on the ground.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria notes the recent remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging large-scale killings of Christians in Nigeria and calling for the country’s designation as a ‘Country of Particular Concern.’
“These claims do not reflect the situation on the ground. Nigerians of all faiths have long lived, worked, and worshipped together peacefully,” the ministry said.
It said that while it “appreciates global concern for human rights and religious freedom,” the allegations were inaccurate.
