President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has officially responded to the recent remarks made by United States President Donald Trump, in which Trump labelled Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” due to alleged persecution of Christians in the country. Tinubu, however, dismissed the assertion, emphasizing that Nigeria remains fully committed to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of citizens across all religious faiths.]
‘Nigeria Protects Citizens of All Faiths’ – Tinubu
In a detailed statement shared on X, the President reaffirmed that Nigeria is a democratic nation anchored in constitutional guarantees of religious freedom. He highlighted the administration’s ongoing efforts to maintain peaceful coexistence among various religious communities and stressed that the nation’s policies ensure protection for all citizens, irrespective of faith.]
Tinubu stated, “Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders and continues to address security challenges that affect citizens across all faiths and regions. We remain committed to ensuring that no group feels marginalized or unsafe in our nation.”
He rejected any portrayal of Nigeria as promoting religious intolerance, adding that such characterisations misrepresent the reality of the nation and overlook the government’s consistent measures to uphold peace, unity, and religious harmony. “The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into account the sincere and ongoing efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians,” he emphasized.]
Trump’s Declaration Sparks Global Reactions
The controversy began when Trump, via a post on his Truth Social platform later shared on X by the White House, accused Nigeria of failing to adequately protect its Christian population. He claimed that “thousands of Christians are being killed by radical Islamists,” labelling the situation an “existential threat” to Christianity in the region. Trump went on to declare, “I am hereby making Nigeria a ‘country of particular concern,’” urging U.S. lawmakers to investigate the situation and report back to him. He further warned that the U.S. “cannot stand by while such atrocities are happening,” and suggested that American military intervention could occur “guns-blazing” if the alleged killings continued.”
Tinubu’s Team Confirms Upcoming US Visit
Amid the growing controversy, the Nigerian Presidency confirmed that President Tinubu will visit the United States on Tuesday for high-level diplomatic engagements. The visit is aimed at addressing the allegations raised by Trump and fostering deeper cooperation between the two nations on issues of security, counterterrorism, and the protection of vulnerable communities.]
According to SaharaReporters, Trump has delegated his Vice President, James David Vance, to meet with Tinubu during the visit, unless there are any last-minute changes. The meeting will focus on clarifying the claims regarding religious persecution in Nigeria, while also discussing joint strategies to combat terrorism and ensure the safety of all communities.]
Bwala: ‘Tinubu and Trump Share a Common Vision’
Daniel Bwala, Media Aide to President Tinubu, highlighted that both leaders share common goals in the fight against insurgency and terrorism. “Both President @officialABAT and President @realDonaldTrump have a shared interest in the fight against insurgency and all forms of terrorism targeting humanity,” Bwala stated. He added that Trump’s previous administration had provided support to Nigeria through arms sales, which Tinubu’s government has leveraged effectively to tackle terrorism.]
Bwala further explained that any perceived differences between the leaders over whether terrorists in Nigeria target only Christians or all groups will be addressed and clarified during the upcoming meeting, ensuring mutual understanding and stronger bilateral relations.]
Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Religious Tolerance
President Tinubu reiterated his government’s dedication to religious tolerance and freedom, stating that these principles remain central to Nigeria’s identity. “Religious freedom and tolerance have been core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it,” he declared.]
He emphasized that the administration will continue working closely with the United States and other international partners to promote interfaith understanding, protect communities of all faiths, and ensure that religious harmony remains a hallmark of the nation’s governance. “Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on the protection of communities of all faiths,” Tinubu added, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a nation committed to peace, unity, and religious liberty.]