President Bola Tinubu has rejected the decision by United States President Donald Trump to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Tinubu said Nigeria remains a democracy founded on constitutional guarantees of freedom of religion and belief.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” the president said.
“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.”
Trump had announced the redesignation on Friday via his Truth Social account, citing alleged persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria — a claim amplified by some US lawmakers, evangelical groups, and lobbyists.
Tinubu, however, described the allegations as inaccurate and unhelpful, saying his administration has maintained open engagement with leaders of both major faiths since assuming office in 2023.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” he said.
The president added that ongoing security reforms are aimed at protecting communities from terrorism and banditry, regardless of religious affiliation, noting that violent groups in the country target both Christians and Muslims.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he stated.
Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to working with the United States and other international partners to deepen understanding and promote peaceful coexistence.
“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,” he said.
“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Intolerance is not our identity.”
Nigeria was first listed as a “country of particular concern” in 2020 during Trump’s previous administration, but was removed from the list in 2021 by then-President Joe Biden.