President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to embrace religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence, stressing that no individual should be targeted or discriminated against for observing their religion.
In his 2025 Christmas message to the nation, the president encouraged citizens to draw inspiration from the ideals of love, peace, and compassion embodied by Jesus Christ.
He said these virtues should continue to shape relationships among Nigerians, especially across religious lines.
Tinubu reaffirmed that since taking office in 2023, his administration has remained firmly committed to preserving 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.”
According to the president, the federal government is actively engaging leaders of Nigeria’s two dominant religions to address issues surrounding religious intolerance and insecurity.
He assured that these discussions would be expanded to deepen cooperation between government and religious bodies, with the aim of preventing conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence.
Emphasising the need for interfaith unity, Tinubu said the country’s common values — love for God and love for humanity — must remain the glue that holds Nigerians together as one nation.
“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.
“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country, particularly amid concerns about religious intolerance and insecurity.
“We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration between government and religious institutions, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
The president also praised Christians for their role in nation-building, particularly their efforts in supporting vulnerable groups and fostering peace within communities.