Tinubu urges religious tolerance, says no Nigerian should face persecution

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to uphold religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, saying no citizen should suffer persecution because of their faith.

In his 2025 Christmas message, the president urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace and compassion associated with the birth of Jesus Christ, stressing that these ideals should guide relations across religious lines.

Tinubu said his administration remains committed to protecting religious freedom, national unity and security in line with the constitution.

“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” he said.

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He added that every Nigerian has the right to live, worship and pursue personal goals in safety and dignity, regardless of ethnicity or belief.

The president said the government has continued to engage leaders of Nigeria’s major faiths to address concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity. He pledged to deepen those engagements to prevent conflict and strengthen peaceful coexistence.

According to Tinubu, the shared values found across religions — love for God and compassion for humanity — must continue to unite Nigerians.

“These shared values must bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people,” he said.

Tinubu also commended Christians for their role in national development, citing their contributions to peacebuilding, social welfare and support for vulnerable groups across the country.

Oluwatosin Ogunjuyigbe is a writer and journalist who covers business, finance, technology, and the changing forces shaping Nigeria’s economy. He focuses on turning complex ideas into clear, compelling stories.

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