There’s no Christian genocide in Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has said, stressing that neither Christians nor Muslims are being specifically targeted amid the country’s security challenges.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday in Abuja while opening the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.” He was represented at the event by Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
The President explained that the insecurity facing Nigeria stems from historical, economic, and criminal factors rather than religious persecution. He emphasized that terrorism in the country is driven by criminality and extremism, affecting citizens across all faiths.
His comments follow recent claims by former US President Donald Trump, who alleged that Christians in Nigeria were being targeted and threatened possible military intervention if the government failed to act. Trump had also labeled Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern,” prompting a Nigerian delegation led by National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu to brief US lawmakers on the nation’s security situation.
Speaking at the NASFAT event, Tinubu said: “In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. These allegations are not only false but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation. Nigeria’s response was clear, firm and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group. Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism—challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
He added that the government remains committed to protecting all lives, promoting national unity, and safeguarding religious freedom, while warning against narratives that could divide the country.
“Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to coexist peacefully while practicing different faiths,” Tinubu said, commending NASFAT for its efforts in promoting moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity as tools for fostering national unity.
The conference’s keynote speaker, Dr Nurudeen Lemu, encouraged Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and optimistic despite the challenges facing the country.
