President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has stated that Nigeria “stands firmly as a democracy” governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty, in a strong defence of the nation’s record.
The president’s comments are seen as a direct response to recent international reports, including from the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), which have repeatedly designated Nigeria as a country of particular concern for religious freedom.
In his statement, President Tinubu argued that such characterisations “do not reflect our national reality.”
He pointed to his administration’s efforts since taking office in 2023, stating it has “maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike.”
The government, he said, “continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.” This is a reference to the widespread violence perpetrated by armed groups, including bandits and militants, which has impacted communities of all faiths in the north and central regions of the country.
The president’s statement sought to counter the narrative of state-sponsored intolerance, asserting that “Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
He emphasised that “religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”
The administration signalled its intent to work with partners, specifically naming the United States government, “to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths.”
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