President Bola Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu has firmly dismissed claims that Nigeria is experiencing either a Christian or Muslim genocide, insisting that the country’s security challenges are rooted in terrorism and criminality, not religious persecution.
The President stated this on Friday while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) in Abuja.
The conference was held under the theme “ Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr Lateef Fagbemi, Tinubu said Nigeria has been unfairly labelled in recent times, stressing that such narratives are misleading and dangerous.
“In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill had to address unfounded allegations,” the President said.
“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.”
Recalled that the United States President, Donald Trump, had earlier classified Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” following allegations of a Christian genocide.
Responding to such claims, Tinubu said Nigeria’s position was clear and unequivocal.
“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,” he said.
According to the President, insecurity in Nigeria is driven by historical, economic and criminal factors, not religion.
“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.
“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.”
He added that what the country is battling is “terrorism driven by criminality, extremism, challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to national unity, religious freedom and the protection of every Nigerian life.
“We must, therefore, reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders,” he said.
“We must neither allow internal or external forces to sow discord or feed dangerous stereotypes about our beloved nation.”
Describing Nigeria’s diversity as a strength, the President said the country’s ability to live together despite religious and cultural differences remains its greatest asset.
“Our strength has always been in our diversity, our ability to live together, worship differently, and still see one another as brothers, sisters, and compatriots,” he noted.
Tinubu commended faith-based organisations such as NASFAT for promoting peace and unity.
“Your teaching on moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity provide pathways for resolving conflicts and deepening national unity,” he said.
“Our differences are a divine design, not a source of conflict.”
On governance and reforms, the President said his administration was committed to building an inclusive, prosperous and secure Nigeria, while acknowledging the temporary hardships many citizens are facing.
“We are undertaking bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, attract investments, and create opportunities for all Nigerians,” he said.
“Let me assure you that we are working tirelessly to alleviate these pressures, expand social support, accelerate the benefits of the reforms.”
He added that the government would also strengthen the nation’s security architecture to protect all Nigerians, regardless of faith, ethnicity or location, while calling for the support of faith-based institutions.
“However, government cannot build resilience alone. As we reform our economy and tackle insecurity, we rely on institutions like NASFAT to reinforce the moral and spiritual fabric of our society,” he said.
Tinubu stressed that good governance must go hand in hand with strong values, urging religious leaders to inspire action and unity.
“We need your continued partnership in promoting peace, reducing tension, countering misinformation, and nurturing the values of unity and patriotism,” he said.
Earlier, the keynote speaker, Dr Nurudeen Lemu, urged Muslim faithful to remain hopeful despite the nation’s challenges.
“No matter the problem the country is facing, we must hold the rope of Almighty Allah and have hope in Him,” he said, calling on Nigerians to build rather than destroy the country through patience and endurance.
Also speaking, Prof. Ishiaq Oloyede, Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, described NASFAT as “one of the five-star Islamic organisations” in the country.
“We believe five-star will not be enough, because people are now talking of seven-star, and I believe NASFAT will be there,” he said, praying for continued strength and relevance for the society.
Oloyede noted that as the world evolves, the understanding and application of Islam in public life must also adapt, stressing that faith should always promote the common good and peaceful coexistence.
