President Bola Tinubu has rejected the redesignation of Nigeria by former US President Donald Trump as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged persecution of Christians, insisting that religious freedom remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement personally signed by him on Saturday, Tinubu said the US characterisation of Nigeria as intolerant of religious diversity does not reflect the nation’s reality or the government’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of all citizens.
“Nigeria is a democracy that respects constitutional guarantees of religious liberty, and it continues to engage in talks with both Christian and Muslim leaders in addressing security challenges encountered by the citizens, regardless of their faith,” the President said.
He stressed that the accusation of “genocide against Christians” fails to recognize Nigeria’s diversity and collective effort toward peaceful coexistence, adding that religious tolerance “has been and will remain a core tenet of our national identity.”
Mr. Tinubu pledged that under his government, Nigeria would continue to work with the US and other international partners in advancing mutual interests while protecting communities of all faiths within the country.
