Nigeria Rejects U.S. Religious Persecution Claim, Reaffirms Commitment to Freedom and Tolerance

The Federal Government of Nigeria has firmly rejected recent claims by U.S. President, Donald Trump and other American commentators describing Nigeria as “religiously intolerant” and unsafe for Christians.

In an official statement personally signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and released through the State House, the Nigerian government reaffirmed that the nation remains a constitutional democracy where religious liberty is fully guaranteed.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” President Tinubu declared.

He added that, “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike, and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.”

The President stressed that the portrayal of Nigeria as a country that persecutes Christians or any religious group “does not reflect the national reality,” insisting that his administration has taken consistent and sincere steps to safeguard the freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.

“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,” he said.

Tinubu reiterated that Nigeria’s constitution provides equal protection for citizens of all faiths, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to partnering with the United States and other international allies to promote peace, religious harmony, and interfaith understanding.

In an earlier statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa noted that Nigeria has taken due note of the statement made by the United States on religious freedom but emphasized that the country’s reality cannot be reduced to isolated incidents of violence fueled by extremism.

“We remain committed in our resolve to tackle violent extremism that is fueled by special interests who have helped drive such decay and division in countries across West Africa and the Sahel.”

“We mourn all victims of violent extremism and salute our armed forces as they continue to fight against vicious but cowardly foes. The Federal Government will continue to defend all citizens, irrespective of race, creed, or religion.”

The Foreign Affairs Ministry further reaffirmed Nigeria’s enduring relationship with the United States, describing America as a “close ally,” while underscoring President Tinubu’s administration’s “laser focus on genuine peace, stability, freedom, and democracy.”

“Like America, Nigeria celebrates diversity as its greatest strength. We are a God-fearing nation where faith, tolerance, and inclusion thrive in concurrence with the rules-based international order,” the statement concluded.

The exchange follows a viral statement from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently alleged that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria — a remark that has sparked diplomatic and public debate across both countries.

The Tinubu administration’s response seeks to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to interfaith coexistence and constitutional justice, highlighting ongoing security efforts to protect citizens of all religions against terrorism and violent extremism.