President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has responded to US President Donald Trump, saying that Nigeria does not tolerate religious persecution.
The Nigerian president made the statement in response to Trump’s Friday announcement redesignating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern.” Trump had claimed that Nigerian Christians were facing an existential threat, pledging that the US would protect them.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” Trump said in a social media post on Friday.
On Saturday, President Tinubu responded via social media, emphasising Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
“Since 2023, our administration has actively engaged with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all faiths and regions.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the consistent and sincere efforts of our government to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.
“Religious freedom and tolerance are core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.
“Our constitution guarantees the protection of citizens of all faiths, and our administration remains committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation in protecting communities of all religions.”