As Christians across Nigeria and around the world celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and state governors have urged Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and mutual understanding, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to religious tolerance.
In his Christmas message released on Wednesday, President Tinubu stressed that religious freedom remains a fundamental national value and assured Nigerians that no one would be made to suffer or lose their life because of their faith. He emphasized that respect for diversity is essential to Nigeria’s unity and stability.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” the President said. “The love for God and the love for humanity lie at the heart of all great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people.”
This marks Tinubu’s third Christmas address since assuming office in May 2023. His message comes at a time when Nigeria is under renewed international scrutiny over allegations of religious freedom violations. Two months ago, the United States redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998.
On October 31, 2025, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced the redesignation, claiming that Christianity faces an existential threat in Nigeria and alleging that extremist groups were responsible for mass killings.
In response, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting the constitutional rights of all Nigerians.
“That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.”
Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian, noted that since taking office, he has consistently reassured Nigerians of his government’s dedication to safeguarding national unity, security, and stability. He said his administration has actively engaged leaders of Nigeria’s major faiths throughout the year to address concerns about intolerance and insecurity.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict, and promote peaceful coexistence,” he said, describing religious freedom as a core element of Nigeria’s collective identity.
The President also commended Nigerian Christians for their enduring contributions to national development, noting that the teachings of Christ have inspired compassion, service to the vulnerable, and commitment to the common good.
Describing Christmas as a season of hope, Tinubu reminded Nigerians that despite ongoing challenges, “God is with us.” He extended warm Christmas wishes to Christians in Nigeria and across the world and prayed for peace and harmony among people of different faiths.
He also advised Nigerians travelling during the festive period to exercise patience and discipline on the roads, wishing them safe journeys. “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength,” he said, “we will continue building a greater Nigeria that future generations will be proud of.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) used the occasion to renew its call for fairness and equity in taxation, urging the government to protect workers and vulnerable citizens from what it described as unjust tax policies.
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