Tinubu to Trump: Nigeria’s constitution protects every faith — intolerance is not our identity

President Bola Tinubu has rejected United States President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution.

In a statement on Saturday, Tinubu said Nigeria remains a democracy anchored 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 on Friday announced via his Truth Social platform that Nigeria had been redesignated on the US religious freedom watchlist as a “country of particular concern”.

The move follows growing criticism by some US lawmakers, American evangelical groups and lobbyists who allege persecution of Christians in parts of Nigeria.

However, Tinubu described those claims as inaccurate and unhelpful, adding that his administration has maintained open and active engagement with leaders of both major religions 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.

Tinubu said his government continues to invest in security reforms to protect communities from terrorism and banditry, regardless of religious affiliation.

He noted that violent groups operating in parts of the country target both Christians and Muslims, undermining national peace and unity.

“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,” the president said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to collaborating with the US and other international partners to deepen understanding, promote coexistence, and strengthen mechanisms that protect vulnerable communities.

“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,” Tinubu said.

“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Intolerance is not our identity.”

Nigeria was first designated as a “country of particular concern” by the Trump administration in 2020 but was removed from the list in 2021 by former President Joe Biden.