President Bola Tinubu has reiterated that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, dismissing claims that any religious group is being deliberately targeted for killings.
According to the President, the country’s lingering security challenges are the result of deep-seated historical, economic and criminal issues rather than religious persecution. He stressed that neither Christians nor Muslims are singled out for violence.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday in Abuja at the opening of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the President said Nigeria is confronting terrorism fueled by criminality and violent extremism, not faith-based hostility.
He urged religious and community leaders to promote unity, resilience and cooperation, noting that collective efforts across faiths remain crucial to addressing insecurity and fostering national stability.
Former United States President Donald Trump had, weeks earlier, claimed that Christians were being systematically targeted and killed in Nigeria, warning that he could deploy U.S. military forces if the Federal Government failed to tackle the situation.
Trump, who designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” alleged that Christians were facing persecution while accusing the Nigerian government of turning a blind eye to the violence.
The remarks sparked widespread controversy both within Nigeria and internationally, leading the Federal Government to dispatch a high-level delegation to the United States. The team, headed by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, was tasked with engaging US congressmen and offering a more nuanced explanation of Nigeria’s complex security challenges.
As reported by the online platform Freedom Online, President Bola Tinubu, while speaking at a NASFAT programme, said the Federal Government and well-meaning individuals had recently been compelled to respond to what he described as baseless allegations. He noted that such claims were not only untrue but also dangerous, warning that they could stoke tensions and undermine the peaceful coexistence the nation continues to nurture.
Nigeria’s response has been clear, firm, and measured. We reaffirm that our nation neither promotes nor tolerates policies or actions that persecute any religious group. Both Muslims and Christians have suffered from terrorism, and both communities stand united in condemning violence in all its forms.
As President, I want to state unequivocally, with full responsibility and commitment to the Constitution, that there is no genocide against Christians or Muslims in Nigeria. The challenges we face are rooted in terrorism, criminality, and extremism—issues we are working tirelessly to address.
He praised NASFAT for fostering national unity, stating, “Your emphasis on moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity offers valuable guidance for resolving conflicts and strengthening the bonds that unite our nation.
“Let us continue to champion moderation, peaceful coexistence, and respect for our diversity. Our differences are part of a divine design, not a reason for conflict.”
Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, the keynote speaker at the conference, encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in their faith and maintain optimism, despite the challenges confronting the nation.