President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has once again rejected claims that Nigeria is experiencing either Christian or Muslim genocide, stressing that the country’s security problems are caused by terrorism, criminal activities, and extremism rather than religious persecution.
The president made this known on Friday at the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) held in Abuja. The event focused on the theme “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
Tinubu, who was represented at the gathering by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said the Federal Government remains committed to defeating terrorism and restoring peace across the country.
Addressing recent international concerns, including Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by former U.S. President Donald Trump over alleged Christian persecution, Tinubu dismissed such assertions as misleading and baseless.
He noted that the government has repeatedly had to counter false narratives that, according to him, are capable of fueling tension and undermining Nigeria’s long-standing tradition of religious coexistence.
“The Federal Government’s response to these allegations has been calm, firm, and responsible,” he stated, adding that Nigeria does not support or tolerate any policy or action that targets people based on their religious beliefs.
The president emphasized that both Christians and Muslims have suffered from terrorism, noting that members of both faiths continue to jointly condemn violence in all its forms.
“There is neither Christian genocide nor Muslim genocide in Nigeria,” Tinubu declared. “What we are confronting is terrorism rooted in criminality, extremism, and long-standing socio-economic challenges, which we are working relentlessly to overcome.”
He reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to protect all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or location, and warned against narratives—local or foreign—that seek to divide the nation.
Nigeria’s strength, he said, lies in its diversity, while commending NASFAT for promoting tolerance, moderation, and peaceful coexistence. He described the country’s differences as a divine blessing rather than a cause for conflict.
Tinubu also acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians due to ongoing reforms, assuring citizens that the government is taking steps to ease the burden while working toward long-term economic stability.
He added that while government efforts are crucial, faith-based organizations have an important role to play in strengthening moral values, countering misinformation, and fostering unity across communities.
In his keynote address, Dr. Nurudeen Lemu encouraged Muslims to remain hopeful and resilient despite current national challenges, calling for patience, perseverance, and stronger cooperation among religious groups to promote development and good governance.
Meanwhile, Professor Is-haq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, praised NASFAT’s impact, describing it as one of the most outstanding Islamic organizations in the country. He also stressed the need for a contemporary and dynamic approach to applying Islamic principles in public life, noting that society continues to evolve.
