President Bola Tinubu has criticised US President Donald Trump’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged religious persecution.
Tinubu stated on Saturday that Nigeria remains a democracy founded on constitutional protections of religious and philosophical freedom.
“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.”
On Friday, Trump stated via his Truth Social platform that Nigeria had been categorised as a “country of particular concern” on the United States’ religious freedom watchlist.
The decision comes in response to mounting outcry from US legislators, evangelical groups, and lobbyists alleging Christian persecution in parts of Nigeria.
Tinubu, on the other hand, dismissed those assertions as false and unhelpful, noting that his administration has maintained open and active dialogue with leaders of both major religions since taking 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.
The Trump administration identified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” in 2020, but former President Joe Biden withdrew it from the list in 2021.
