President Bola Tinubu has once again pushed back against claims that Nigeria is experiencing religious genocide, insisting that the country’s insecurity is rooted in criminal violence and extremism rather than faith-based persecution.
Speaking through the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, at the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) Biennial Conference, the President said narratives framing Nigeria’s challenges as a Christian or Muslim genocide distort reality and risk deepening national divisions.
According to him, violent crimes across the country have affected citizens of all faiths, making it misleading to interpret terrorism through a religious lens.
Tinubu said both Muslims and Christians have suffered losses and have also jointly condemned acts of terror.
“There is no policy, agenda, or tolerance for the persecution of any religious group in Nigeria,” the President said.
“What confronts us is terrorism driven by criminal networks, extremist ideologies, and long-standing socio-economic pressures.”
Moreover, Tinubu described recent international accusations against Nigeria as damaging and unfounded. He maintained that such claims could inflame tensions and undermine the fragile but growing culture of peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
Nigeria had previously been labelled a “Country of Particular Concern” by the United States following allegations of Christian persecution.
Tinubu noted that the Federal Government responded firmly, clarifying that the country does not sanction religious oppression in any form.
“Our response was deliberate and measured,” he said. “Nigeria is a plural society, and our constitution guarantees freedom of religion without exception.”
Addressing the gathering themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community,” the President stressed that unity remains Nigeria’s strongest asset.
Hence, he urged religious organisations to resist divisive narratives and actively promote tolerance.
“Our diversity is not a weakness,” Tinubu said. “It is a divine design that should strengthen our national fabric, not tear it apart.”
He also acknowledged the economic strain currently facing citizens, admitting that recent reforms have created short-term hardships.
However, Tinubu assured Nigerians that the measures are designed to stabilise the economy and deliver long-term growth.
“While the reforms are difficult, they are necessary,” he said.
“We are expanding social support and accelerating interventions to ease the burden on households.”
On security, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to protecting lives and property across all regions.
He added that rebuilding national resilience requires cooperation beyond government institutions.
“As government reforms the economy and security framework, faith-based organisations must help reinforce moral values, promote peace, and counter misinformation,” Tinubu said.
Earlier, keynote speaker Dr Nurudeen Lemu encouraged Muslims to remain hopeful despite the nation’s challenges.
He called for patience, endurance, and stronger collaboration among religious groups to foster development and accountability.
Similarly, Secretary General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, commended NASFAT for its role in promoting moderation.
He described the organisation as one of Nigeria’s leading Islamic movements and urged it to adapt religious teachings to modern realities.
“The world is evolving, and our application of faith in public life must reflect wisdom, relevance, and deep understanding,” Oloyede said.