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Tinubu dismisses genocide allegations as false and inflammatory
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Says Nigeria faces terrorism, not religious persecution
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Reaffirms commitment to unity, religious freedom, and security reforms
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has firmly dismissed claims of religious genocide in Nigeria, insisting that there is neither a Christian genocide nor a Muslim genocide anywhere in the country.
The President made the assertion on Friday in Abuja while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT), themed “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”
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Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, Tinubu said Nigeria’s security challenges stem from terrorism, criminality and extremism, not from state-sponsored or religiously motivated persecution.
He stressed that allegations suggesting otherwise were false, dangerous and capable of undermining national cohesion.
“In recent times, the Federal Government and other persons of goodwill have had to address unfounded allegations.
These allegations are not only false, but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence we continue to build as a nation,” the President said.
The President’s remarks come amid renewed international scrutiny following reports that the United States had designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged Christian persecution.
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Responding to the claims, Tinubu said Nigeria’s position had been unequivocal.
“Nigeria’s response was clear, firm and measured.
We reaffirmed that our nation does not foster or tolerate policies or actions aimed at persecuting any religious group,” he said.
Tinubu noted that both Christians and Muslims have been victims of terrorism and violence across the country, emphasising that insecurity in Nigeria is not driven by religion.
“Muslims and Christians alike have been victims of terrorism in Nigeria.
Muslims and Christians alike stand shoulder to shoulder in condemning violence from any quarter,” he said.
Reiterating his stance, the President declared:
“As President, I state with full responsibility and fidelity to the Constitution that there is no Christian genocide in Nigeria, and there is no Muslim genocide in Nigeria.
What we have is terrorism driven by criminality and extremism — challenges we are working tirelessly to overcome.”
Tinubu said his administration remains committed to protecting every Nigerian life, regardless of faith, ethnicity or geography, while promoting national unity and religious freedom.
“We must reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders.
Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity — our ability to live together, worship differently, and still see one another as compatriots,” he said.
He commended faith-based organisations, including NASFAT, for promoting moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence, describing their role as critical to national stability.
The President also acknowledged the economic hardships facing many Nigerians, assuring citizens that ongoing reforms were necessary for long-term prosperity.
“We are undertaking bold reforms to stabilise the economy, restore confidence, attract investments and create opportunities.
While these reforms come with temporary difficulties, we are working tirelessly to ease the pressures and strengthen social support systems,” he said.
Tinubu added that the Federal Government would continue to modernise Nigeria’s security architecture to ensure safety nationwide, while calling for stronger collaboration with faith-based institutions.
“Government cannot build resilience alone.
We rely on institutions like NASFAT to reinforce the moral and spiritual fabric of our society,” he said.
Earlier, keynote speaker Dr Nurudeen Lemu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and patient, encouraging citizens to work towards building rather than destroying the country.
Also speaking, Prof. Ishiaq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, described NASFAT as a leading Islamic organisation, praying for continued growth and impact.
He noted that evolving global realities require deeper understanding and responsible application of faith in public life.
