Christmas: Tinubu Urges Religious Tolerance, Vows to Protect Freedom of Worship
President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to uphold religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that no citizen should be persecuted for practising their faith.
In his 2025 Christmas goodwill message, the president urged Nigerians to reflect on the values of love, peace and compassion exemplified by the birth of Jesus Christ, noting that these principles should guide relationships across religious divides.
Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment, since assuming office in 2023, to safeguarding national unity, security and stability in line with the constitution.
“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” he said.
“All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity. No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith.”
The president disclosed that his government has been engaging leaders of Nigeria’s two major religions to address concerns around religious 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.
Emphasising interfaith harmony, Tinubu said shared values must continue to unite Nigerians.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith. The love for God and love for humanity is at the heart of all the great faiths,” he said.
“These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.”
The president also commended Christians for their contributions to national development, particularly their care for the vulnerable and efforts to promote peace within communities.
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