President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has strongly rejected the decision of the United States government to redesignate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern,” saying the description does not represent the true situation in the country.
In a statement he personally signed and posted on his verified X handle, @officialABAT, on Saturday, President Tinubu said Nigeria remains a pluralistic democracy where the freedom of religion is constitutionally guaranteed for all citizens regardless of faith or ethnic background.
According to him, the United States’ action is “a complete misrepresentation” of decades-long efforts by successive Nigerian governments, religious leaders and community stakeholders to promote peace and unity among diverse faith groups.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” Tinubu said.
He emphasised that religious harmony has been one of the enduring principles of Nigeria’s existence, noting that the Nigerian state neither promotes nor condones any form of religious persecution.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he said.
The president also reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to continue working with the United States government and other international partners to deepen understanding and cooperation in the protection of communities of all faiths.
