“There is no genocide in Nigeria,” Tinubu breaks silence

President Bola Tinubu has dismissed allegations of genocide against Christians or Muslims in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s security challenges are rooted in terrorism, criminality, and extremism, not religion.

The President made this known on Friday while declaring open the 8th Biennial Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nasrul-Lahi-l-Fatih Society (NASFAT) in Abuja. The theme of the conference was “Building Resilience in a Changing World: The Role of Faith and Community.”

Tinubu, who was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, said recent claims of religious persecution in Nigeria were “false, harmful, and capable of inflaming passions.”

His remarks come days after United States President Donald Trump designated Nigeria a “country of particular concern” following allegations of Christian genocide.

Responding to the claims, Tinubu said the Federal Government had been compelled to address what he described as unfounded narratives.

He said, “The allegations are not only false, but harmful, and capable of inflaming passions and disrupting the peaceful coexistence which we continue to build as a nation.

“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 added that security challenges in the country stem from “historical, economic, and criminal issues,” not religious differences.

“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.

Tinubu reiterated that there is no religious genocide in Nigeria.

“As President, I reiterate with all sense of responsibility 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.”

The President affirmed that the government remains committed to promoting national unity, religious freedom, and security for all.

“We must reject narratives that seek to divide us, whether they come from within or outside our borders,” he said.
“Nigeria’s strength has always been in its diversity, our ability to live together, worship differently, and still see one another as brothers, sisters, and compatriots.”

Tinubu commended NASFAT for championing values of moderation, tolerance, and service to humanity.

He also appealed for public understanding as the government continues its economic reforms.

“While the reforms are necessary for long-term prosperity, I understand the temporary difficulties many citizens are experiencing,” he said, assuring Nigerians of ongoing efforts to expand social support and reinvigorate national security.

Keynote speaker, Dr Nurudeen Lemu, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, advising Muslim faithful to “hold the rope of Almighty Allah” amid national challenges.

He called for stronger collaboration among faith-based organisations to enhance development and good governance.

Also speaking, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, described NASFAT as a “five-star Islamic organisation” and prayed for continued growth of the society.

Oloyede stressed the need for evolving interpretations of Islam in line with contemporary realities, saying, “The world is changing, and our understanding of Islam must also change with time.”