Nigeria’s President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the elected leader of Africa’s most populous country, has appealed to Nigerians to embrace unity, religious tolerance, and peaceful coexistence as Christians celebrate the 2025 Christmas season.
In a Christmas goodwill message released on Wednesday, 24 December 2025, the President congratulated Christians in Nigeria and across the world, describing Christmas as a sacred period that calls for deep reflection on the birth of Jesus Christ, a central figure in Christianity whose message of peace, love, and hope remains globally significant.
Okay News reports that President Tinubu emphasized that the celebration of Christmas should go beyond festivities, noting that the teachings of Christ as the Prince of Peace carry renewed importance amid Nigeria’s current social and security challenges.
According to the President, his administration remains firmly committed to safeguarding religious freedom and ensuring the safety of citizens regardless of their faith, ethnicity, or background.
President Tinubu said, “On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.”
He further reaffirmed the constitutional responsibility of his government to protect religious rights, stating, “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.”
Reflecting on the contributions of Christian communities to national development, Tinubu added, “As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country.”
The President acknowledged that the values of love, service, and compassion taught in the Christian Gospel have inspired countless Nigerians to dedicate their lives to humanitarian service, stressing that such efforts deserve national recognition.
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to national security, unity, and stability, Tinubu stated that every Nigerian has the fundamental right to live, worship, and pursue personal aspirations in safety and dignity.
He emphasized that no citizen should experience discrimination or violence on the basis of religion or ethnicity, noting that shared values of love for God and humanity cut across all faiths practiced in Nigeria.
President Tinubu also disclosed that throughout the year, he held engagements with leaders of Nigeria’s two major religions, Christianity and Islam, particularly on issues related to insecurity and religious intolerance.
According to him, the Federal Government of Nigeria will continue to build on these engagements to strengthen cooperation with religious institutions, prevent conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence nationwide.
As millions of Nigerians travel during the festive season, the President urged motorists to exercise patience and discipline on the roads, while wishing all travelers safe journeys.
Concluding his message, Tinubu expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stating, “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria, one that future generations will be proud of. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”
