Temitope Mustapha, Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reacted to the designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern by the United States, reaffirming that Nigeria remains a democracy anchored on constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, @OfficialABAT, titled : Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty’, President Tinubu described Nigeria as a nation where freedom of religion and belief is both constitutionally protected and deeply ingrained in the country’s social fabric.
The Nigerian Leader said that the characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty.
“”Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so. Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it.”
Reiterating his administration’s commitment to collaboration, President Tinubu said Nigeria will continue to work with the U.S. government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation in the protection of communities of all faiths.
“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” the Nigerian Leader added.