President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed suggestions that Nigeria is religiously intolerant, insisting that the country remains committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of all citizens regardless of their faith.
In a statement, the President said his administration has, since 2023, maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders across the country, while addressing security challenges affecting Nigerians “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.
Tinubu stressed that religious freedom and tolerance remain defining principles of Nigeria’s national identity and will continue to be upheld. “Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he added.
Reaffirming the constitutional protections guaranteeing freedom of worship, the President noted that the nation’s laws protect citizens of all faiths. He also pledged to strengthen collaboration with the United States government and other international partners to promote understanding and protect religious communities.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
