President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has renewed his call for religious tolerance in Nigeria, warning that no citizen should be victimised or endangered because of their beliefs.
In his 2025 Christmas goodwill message, the president appealed to Nigerians to rise above religious differences and embrace peaceful coexistence, drawing inspiration from the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, which he said embody love, compassion and peace.
Okay News reports that Tinubu described these values as essential to Nigeria’s unity, particularly at a time when religious and security tensions continue to challenge parts of the country.
Reaffirming his constitutional responsibility to protect all citizens, the president said his administration remains firmly committed to safeguarding religious liberty and ensuring that people of all faiths can live without fear.
“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,” Tinubu 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.”
The president noted that since assuming office in 2023, his government has prioritised national security, stability and unity, adding that religious harmony is central to achieving lasting peace.
He disclosed that the presidency has maintained sustained engagement with leaders of Nigeria’s two major religions, aimed at addressing growing concerns around intolerance and insecurity.
According to Tinubu, these consultations will be expanded to deepen cooperation between government institutions and religious bodies, with the goal of preventing conflict and strengthening social cohesion.
“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.”
The president stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division, urging citizens to uphold mutual respect regardless of religious affiliation.
“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,” Tinubu added.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
Tinubu also praised Christians across Nigeria for their contributions to national development, highlighting their role in caring for vulnerable communities and promoting peace at the grassroots level.
