December 12, 2025 l By Dalena Reporters
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday forcefully rejected mounting international and domestic claims that Nigeria is the site of a targeted Christian or Muslim genocide, reaffirming that the country’s deep-rooted security challenges stem from criminality and extremism, not religious persecution, according to reporting by SaharaReporters.
Speaking in Abuja during the official inauguration of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting, Tinubu delivered a strongly worded repudiation of genocide allegations that have gained prominence following recent actions by foreign actors.
Themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community,” the NASFAT gathering provided the setting for Tinubu to outline what he described as unfounded narratives that risk inflaming religious tensions in a nation of vast ethnic and religious diversity.
Tinubu, represented at the event by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, reiterated that Nigeria’s security crisis should not be misconstrued as state-sponsored persecution of any faith. “The allegations are not only false, but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the sustenance of the peaceful coexistence which we continue to build as a nation,” he stated.
The Nigerian President directly addressed the U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern”, a controversial move by U.S. leadership that cited allegations of a Christian genocide. Tinubu maintained that these claims ignore the complex, multi-faceted security landscape facing Nigeria and are inconsistent with the government’s documented efforts to tackle pervasive violence.
“Nigeria’s response was clear, firm, and measured. We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group,” Tinubu emphasized. “As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria.
Instead, he framed the ongoing violence as a product of terrorism driven by criminality and extremism, underscoring that adherents of all faiths have suffered as victims of these conflicts. “Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria. Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter,” he said.
In a broader appeal aimed at cementing national unity and rejecting divisive narratives, Tinubu urged Nigerians to resist “internal or external forces” that seek to sow discord or propagate dangerous stereotypes about the country.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, lauding NASFAT’s role in promoting moderation, tolerance, and community service. “Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict,” he remarked.
Addressing economic concerns that have weighed on many Nigerians, Tinubu acknowledged short-term hardships linked to ongoing reforms, pledging that his administration remains committed to alleviating pressures, expanding social support, and accelerating the long-term benefits of structural changes. For security, he pledged to “reinvigorate our security architecture to protect all Nigerians, regardless of faith, ethnicity, or geography.
Tinubu underscored that the government cannot tackle the country’s multifarious challenges alone, calling on faith-based organizations to reinforce unity and counter misinformation that threatens national cohesion.
At the event, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu delivered the keynote call for resilience and inter-faith collaboration, urging religious communities to remain steadfast in the face of adversity and work together for broader societal development. Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, praised NASFAT as a leading Islamic organization, advocating for contemporary interpretations of faith in public life.
As debates over the nature and scale of violence in Nigeria continue to unfold internationally, Tinubu’s address represents the latest effort by the presidency to assert control over the narrative and reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom and national unity.