President Bola Tinubu has again dismissed allegations that Nigeria is witnessing a genocide against Christians or Muslims, stressing that no religious group is being deliberately targeted for extermination in the country.
Speaking in Abuja on Friday, the President explained that Nigeria’s security challenges are driven by long-standing economic pressures, historical grievances, and criminal activities rather than religious persecution. He made the remarks while formally declaring open the Eighth Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society, held under the theme, “Building Resilience In A Changing World: The Role Of Faith And Community.”
The President was represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, who delivered the message on his behalf. According to the President, Nigeria continues to battle terrorism that is rooted in criminality and violent extremism, not in hostility toward any particular faith.
Okay News reports that the President’s remarks came against the backdrop of recent international controversy following comments by United States President Donald Trump. A few weeks earlier, Trump alleged that Christians were being targeted for killing in Nigeria and warned that the United States could deploy military forces if the Federal Government failed to address the situation.
Trump had also designated Nigeria as a “Country Of Particular Concern,” insisting that Christians were being persecuted while the Nigerian authorities allegedly ignored the situation. His comments sparked widespread debate within Nigeria and beyond its borders.
In response, the Federal Government dispatched a high-level delegation led by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to engage lawmakers in the United States Congress and present a more accurate picture of Nigeria’s complex security realities.
Quoting the President’s address at the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society programme, an online platform, Freedom Online, reported Tinubu as saying, “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.”
He added, “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.”
The President further emphasized, “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.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians and the international community that the Federal Government would continue to prioritize national unity, religious freedom, and the protection of every human life.
“We must, therefore, reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders. We must not allow internal or external forces to sow discord or promote dangerous stereotypes about our beloved nation,” he said.
He noted that Nigeria’s enduring strength lies in its diversity and the long-standing tradition of people of different faiths living together peacefully.
Commending the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society for its contributions to national cohesion, Tinubu said, “Your teachings on moderation, tolerance and service to humanity provide pathways for resolving conflicts and deepening national unity.”
He concluded by urging continued commitment to peaceful coexistence, saying, “Let us continue to promote moderation, peaceful coexistence and respect for our diversity. Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict.”
The keynote speaker at the conference, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu, also called on Muslims to remain steadfast in faith and hopeful, despite the social and economic challenges confronting the nation.
