President Bola Tinubu has insisted that there is neither a Christian nor Muslim genocide in Nigeria, describing claims to the contrary as false, dangerous and capable of undermining national unity.
The President stated this on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT). He was represented at the event by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
Tinubu said Nigeria’s security challenges are not rooted in religious persecution but are driven by terrorism, criminality and extremism, stressing that citizens of all faiths have been affected by violent attacks across the country.
“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria,” he said. “What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism, challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
The President rejected narratives suggesting that the Nigerian state tolerates or promotes the persecution of any religious group, warning that such allegations could inflame passions and disrupt the fragile fabric of peaceful coexistence in the country.
According to him, Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism and stand united in condemning violence from any quarter, noting that the Federal Government has continued to respond firmly and responsibly to security threats nationwide.
Tinubu also addressed recent international claims portraying Nigeria as a country of religious genocide, describing them as unfounded and harmful to the nation’s image. He maintained that Nigeria does not foster policies aimed at targeting any faith and remains committed to protecting every human life regardless of religion, ethnicity or location.
He called on Nigerians to reject divisive narratives, whether domestic or foreign, and emphasised that the country’s diversity remains its greatest strength.
“Our ability to live together, worship differently and still see one another as compatriots defines who we are as a nation,” the President said, adding that faith-based organisations have a vital role to play in promoting moderation, tolerance and national unity.
Tinubu further assured Nigerians that the Federal Government is reinvigorating the nation’s security architecture while pursuing economic reforms aimed at long-term stability and shared prosperity. He acknowledged the temporary hardships faced by citizens but said efforts were ongoing to expand social support and accelerate the benefits of ongoing reforms.
He urged religious bodies and community leaders to partner with government in countering misinformation, reducing tension and nurturing values of peace and patriotism.
The NASFAT conference, themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community,” brought together Islamic scholars, community leaders and government representatives to discuss the role of faith in strengthening social cohesion and national development.
