President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly rejected United States President Donald Trump’s decision to classify Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, insisting that the designation does not reflect Nigeria’s reality.
Trump had on Friday announced the inclusion of Nigeria on the CPC list, citing what he described as ongoing attacks and alleged genocide against Christians in the country.
Responding on Saturday, President Tinubu said Nigeria remains a democracy deeply rooted in constitutional guarantees of religious liberty and tolerance, adding that his administration continues to promote peaceful coexistence among all faiths.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” Tinubu said in a statement. “Since 2023, our administration has maintained open engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across all regions.”
The President stressed that branding Nigeria as religiously intolerant overlooks the government’s consistent and sincere efforts to protect freedom of belief and safeguard all religious communities.
He reaffirmed that religious freedom and tolerance are integral to Nigeria’s identity, declaring that the government neither supports nor encourages persecution in any form.
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s readiness to collaborate with the United States and the wider international community to enhance mutual understanding and strengthen cooperation on protecting communities of all faiths.
