By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Donald Trump and Bola Tinubu |
ABUJA, Nigeria – President Bola Tinubu has declared his administration's readiness to partner with former U.S. President Donald Trump and other global leaders to halt the persistent killings of both Christians and Muslims in Nigeria, following Trump's stark designation of the West African nation as a country of particular concern for religious persecution.
The statement from the Nigerian presidency comes amid escalating international alarm over violent attacks, particularly against Christian communities in the country's northern regions.
In an official statement released on Saturday, President Tinubu emphasized his government's commitment to multilateral engagement to protect all faiths.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on the protection of communities of all faiths,” Mr. Tinubu said.
His comments served as a direct response to statements from former President Trump, who recently labeled Nigeria a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ citing the ongoing crisis.
The dialogue was triggered by Donald Trump's forceful declaration, in which he asserted that Christians in Nigeria face an "existential threat" from radical Islamist groups.
“Christianity is facing an existential threat in Nigeria. Thousands of Christians are being killed,” President Trump stated. “Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter. I am hereby making Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern – but that is the least of it.”
This designation has intensified global scrutiny on Nigeria's handling of its internal security and religious freedom record.
In his response, President Tinubu sought to counter the narrative of a religiously intolerant Nigeria, reaffirming his government's dedication to constitutional principles.
“Nigeria stands as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty. Since 2023, our administration has maintained open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges affecting citizens across faiths and regions,” the president explained.
He further dismissed portrayals of Nigeria as encouraging religious persecution, insisting they “do not reflect our national reality.”
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been a core tenet of our collective identity and shall always remain so,” Tinubu said. “Nigeria opposes religious persecution and does not encourage it. Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths.”