President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and religious tolerance as Christians across the country celebrate Christmas, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to protecting the rights of all citizens to worship freely.
In his Christmas message released on Wednesday, the President stressed that no Nigerian should suffer discrimination, violence or death on account of religious belief, describing tolerance as a core national value that sustains the country’s unity despite its diversity.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” Tinubu said in the message personally signed by him.
He noted that the shared values of love, compassion and humanity at the heart of major religions must continue to bind Nigerians together.
“The love for God and the love for humanity are at the heart of all great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country,” he said.
The message marks Tinubu’s third Christmas address since assuming office in May 2023 and comes amid renewed international attention on Nigeria’s religious freedom record.
On October 31, 2025, the United States government redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, citing alleged severe violations of religious freedom. US President Donald Trump, who announced the move, claimed that “Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria” and accused “radical Islamists” of mass killings.
President Tinubu, however, dismissed any suggestion that the Federal Government was indifferent to religious freedom, reaffirming his commitment to the Constitution and the protection of fundamental rights.
“That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.”
Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian, said that since assuming office, his administration has consistently reassured Nigerians of its “unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.”
“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect people of all faiths from violence,” he said.
The President disclosed that he has engaged extensively with leaders of Nigeria’s major faiths throughout the year, particularly amid concerns over insecurity and religious intolerance in parts of the country.
According to him, these engagements will be strengthened to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent religiously motivated conflicts.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence,” Tinubu said, describing religious freedom as “a core tenet of our collective identity.”
Tinubu also paid tribute to Nigerian Christians for their contributions to national development, noting that Christian institutions and individuals have played key roles in education, healthcare, social welfare and nation-building.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us reflect on the immense contributions Christians have made and continue to make towards the progress of our country,” he said.
The President described Christmas as a season of hope and renewal, urging Nigerians not to lose faith despite prevailing economic and security challenges.
“Despite daunting challenges, God is with us,” he said.
Tinubu extended Christmas greetings to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, praying for peace and harmony among people of different faiths.
He also urged Nigerians travelling during the festive period to exercise patience and discipline on the roads, wishing them safe journeys.
“With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue building a greater Nigeria that future generations will be proud of,” the President said.