President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed that Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty, dismissing any characterization of the country as religiously intolerant.

In a statement on Saturday, the President emphasized that since 2023, his administration has maintained open and active engagement with both Christian and Muslim leaders while addressing security challenges that affect citizens across all faiths and regions.

President Tinubu stated that the depiction of Nigeria as a nation that suppresses religious freedom does not reflect the national reality nor acknowledge the government’s consistent and sincere efforts to safeguard freedom of religion and belief for all Nigerians.

He reiterated that religious freedom and tolerance remain a core tenet of Nigeria’s identity. “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,” the President said.

Tinubu further assured that his administration remains committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation in protecting communities of all faiths.