President Bola Tinubu has dismissed recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump describing Nigeria as unsafe for Christians, stressing that the country remains a democracy anchored on constitutional freedom of religion.
In a statement from the State House, the President reaffirmed that his administration continues to uphold dialogue with leaders of both Christian and Muslim communities across the nation to address security concerns affecting Nigerians regardless of faith or region.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our 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,” Tinubu said.
He emphasized that portraying Nigeria as a nation plagued by religious intolerance “does not reflect our national reality” and fails to recognize ongoing government efforts to safeguard freedom of belief for all citizens.
“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,” the President added.
Tinubu reaffirmed that his government would continue to partner with the United States and other international allies to strengthen mutual understanding and protect faith communities.
Earlier, President Trump had declared that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria,” claiming that thousands of Christians had been killed by radical groups. He also announced plans to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” calling on the U.S. Congress to act swiftly on the matter.
Trump stated, “Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter… The United States cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening in Nigeria.”
President Tinubu’s response marks the government’s firm rejection of Trump’s claims, insisting that Nigeria remains committed to peace, unity, and the protection of all faiths under the law.
