President Bola Tinubu has rejected allegations that Nigeria is experiencing a Christian or Muslim genocide, insisting that the country’s security challenges are driven by terrorism, criminality and extremism—not religion.
Tinubu made the remarks on Friday while declaring open the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society’s (NASFAT) 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting in Abuja. The theme of the gathering was “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community”.
Represented by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, the President described recent accusations circulating locally and internationally as unfounded, harmful, and capable of inciting division.
The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that former United States President Donald Trump had previously labelled Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over claims of Christian genocide.
Tinubu, however, maintained that such assertions misrepresent Nigeria’s situation.
“In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations. The allegations are not only false, but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the sustenance of peaceful coexistence,” he said.
He emphasised that Nigeria does not foster any policy targeted at persecuting religious groups, reiterating that both Muslims and Christians have been victims of terrorism.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria. What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism—challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
Tinubu stressed that the government remains committed to protecting every Nigerian regardless of faith, ethnicity, or geography, warning against divisive narratives. He reaffirmed that Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and in citizens’ ability to “live together, worship differently, and still see one another as brothers and sisters”.
He praised faith-based organisations such as NASFAT for promoting moderation, tolerance and national unity, urging them to continue countering misinformation and supporting peace-building efforts.
Speaking earlier, keynote speaker Dr Nurudeen Lemu encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and steadfast, calling for patience and unity in nation-building.
Also addressing the conference, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, commended NASFAT as a leading Islamic organisation and urged continuous renewal in the understanding and application of Islamic principles in a changing world.
Tinubu concluded by assuring Nigerians that his administration’s reforms aim to stabilise the economy, strengthen national security, and build an inclusive and prosperous nation.
