President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerians to promote religious tolerance and harmony, emphasising that no person should be persecuted for practicing their faith.

In his 2025 Christmas address, the president urged all Nigerians to consider the ideals of love, peace, and compassion embodied by Jesus Christ.

He emphasised that these ideals must influence interactions across religious lines in the country.

Tinubu emphasised his administration’s unwavering commitment to national security, unity, and stability under the constitution, which it has maintained since taking office in 2023.

“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” he said.

“All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith.”

Tinubu stated that there are continuing discussions with leaders of Nigeria’s two major faiths to address concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.

The president promised to expand on these conversations to strengthen government-religious partnership in order to avert violence and promote tolerance.

The president emphasised the significance of interfaith harmony, stating that the country’s common ideals of love for God and humanity must continue to unite inhabitants as one indivisible people.

“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths,” he said.

“These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.

“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.

“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”

He praised Christians for their contributions to national progress, notably via acts of caring for the disadvantaged and promoting community harmony.

Read the full address here: