President Bola Tinubu has rejected the decision by the United States to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern over alleged violations of religious freedom.
He stated that the label does not reflect the reality of Nigeria and insisted that the country remains committed to protecting citizens of all faiths.
The US government had listed Nigeria among countries accused of failing to prevent or tolerating severe violations of religious freedom. The move has attracted reactions from religious leaders, civil society organisations and government officials who believe the claim is misleading and unfair to Nigeria’s efforts at promoting unity and peaceful coexistence.
In a statement issued in response to the designation, President Tinubu described the claim as unjust and politically influenced. He said his administration has maintained an open relationship with both Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to address security challenges affecting different communities. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders and we will never encourage religious persecution,” Tinubu stated.
The President stressed that Nigerians have a long history of living together peacefully irrespective of religious differences and warned that such classifications could create unnecessary tensions. He added that those pushing the narrative of religious persecution in Nigeria are ignoring the government’s efforts to protect every citizen. He also urged the international community to rely on verified information rather than politically motivated reports.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also faulted the US position, stating that Nigeria cannot be ranked among countries that violate religious freedom. The ministry explained that the nation promotes inclusive governance and has continued to implement policies that defend the rights of all believers. It maintained that no faith group is targeted or discriminated against by the government.
The Federal Government assured that it will continue to engage the US and other international partners to correct any wrong perception about Nigeria. It also encouraged Nigerians to remain calm and avoid spreading narratives that could undermine national unity or fuel religious division across the country.