President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting Nigerians of all faiths and promoting religious tolerance, harmony, and peaceful coexistence across the country.
In his Christmas message to Christians as they join the rest of the world in celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the President said his government would continue sustained engagements with leaders of major faiths to prevent conflict, address insecurity, and strengthen national unity and stability.
President Tinubu acknowledged the vital role Christian leaders have played in national development and urged them to sustain their contributions to peacebuilding and social progress.
According to him, dialogue with both Christian and Muslim leaders has remained central to his administration’s response to concerns over religious intolerance and insecurity, stressing that such engagements would be expanded to further reinforce harmony nationwide.
The President’s message comes amid renewed national and international attention on religious freedom in Nigeria, following allegations by some religious leaders of genocide against Christians—claims the Federal Government has denied, but which led the United States to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern.
Addressing these concerns, President Tinubu said he was mindful of complaints about insecurity and intolerance and pledged to deepen collaboration with religious bodies to promote tranquillity.
“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,” he said. “We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence.”
Describing Christmas as a solemn season that goes beyond festivities, the President urged Nigerians to reflect on the deeper meaning of Christ’s birth and His enduring message of peace, grace, hope, and goodwill to humanity.
He prayed that “the love of Christ and His message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us.”
Reaffirming his constitutional responsibility, President Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration would entrench religious freedom and protect citizens of all faiths from violence and discrimination.
“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.
The President noted that since assuming office in 2023, he has consistently reassured Nigerians of his resolve to guarantee security, unity, and stability, stressing that the pledge remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He emphasized that every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or belief, has the right to live, worship, and pursue legitimate aspirations in safety and dignity, adding that no citizen should suffer for professing or practising their faith.
President Tinubu also highlighted that love for God and humanity are shared values across all major religions and must continue to bind Nigerians together as one indivisible people.
Commending Christians for their contributions to national development, he said the teachings of Christ have inspired many Nigerians to serve society selflessly, care for the vulnerable, and promote peace and tolerance within their communities.
He praised individuals and groups who continue to spread hope and faith despite prevailing challenges, noting that the Christmas season is a reminder that God remains with the nation.
On security, the President reiterated that peace and stability remain critical priorities and prerequisites for sustainable development and national progress.
He also urged Nigerians travelling during the festive period to exercise patience and discipline on the roads, wishing all travellers a safe journey and return.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, President Tinubu said that with faith in divine providence and collective national strength, Nigeria would continue on the path of renewal.
He assured that his administration remains focused on building a greater, more united Nigeria worthy of pride by future generations.
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