President Bola Tinubu used his Christmas Day message to call for peace, religious tolerance, and national unity, assuring Nigerians that no citizen should suffer discrimination or violence because of their faith as Christians across the country marked the birth of Jesus Christ.
The president’s address comes at a time of heightened debate over religious freedom and economic pressures, with labor unions simultaneously raising concerns over taxation policies they describe as unfair.
In his third Christmas message since taking office in May 2023, Tinubu emphasized that religious coexistence remains central to Nigeria’s identity despite its ethnic and cultural diversity.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practicing his faith,” the president said, stressing that shared moral values unite Nigerians across religious lines.
He added that compassion and service to humanity—principles common to all major faiths—must continue to strengthen national cohesion. Tinubu personally signed the message, showing its importance amid ongoing security and social challenges.
The president’s remarks follow renewed international attention on Nigeria’s religious freedom record. In October 2025, the United States redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, citing alleged violations.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the move, claiming that Christianity faces an “existential threat” in Nigeria and accusing extremist groups of responsibility for widespread violence.
Tinubu rejected the characterization, reaffirming that his administration remains bound by both constitutional guarantees and national values.
“All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity,” he said, adding that the government’s commitment to protecting religious liberty remains “steadfast under God and the Constitution.”
Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian, said his administration has maintained ongoing dialogue with leaders of Nigeria’s major religious communities to reduce tensions and prevent conflict.
“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 fundamental to Nigeria’s collective identity.
He also praised the role of Nigerian Christians in national development, noting that the teachings of Jesus Christ have inspired care for the vulnerable and underserved.
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Across the country, state governors also issued Christmas messages urging unity and goodwill. Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori encouraged residents to embrace love, compassion, and sacrifice as foundations for peace and sustainable development.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Festus Ahon, Oborevwori commended residents for their resilience and cooperation, crediting their unity for progress recorded under his administration’s MORE Agenda.
Tinubu described Christmas as a period of hope, reminding Nigerians that faith can offer reassurance even amid economic hardship and insecurity. He also urged travelers to exercise patience and discipline during the holiday season, wishing citizens safe journeys.
“With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength,” the president said, “we will continue building a greater Nigeria that future generations will be proud of.”
