President Bola Tinubu has renewed his pledge to safeguard religious freedom across Nigeria, assuring citizens that his administration remains committed to protecting people of all faiths from violence and discrimination.
In his 2025 Christmas goodwill message delivered on Wednesday, the President emphasised that maintaining national security, unity and stability is one of the foremost responsibilities of his government. He said the administration would continue to uphold the constitutional rights of Nigerians to live peacefully, practise their faith freely and pursue their aspirations without fear.
Tinubu noted that every citizen, regardless of religion or ethnic background, deserves safety, dignity and equal protection under the law.
“On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas. I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the leader of our great country, and I pray for peace in our land, especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs,” he said.
“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.
“As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let us also reflect on the many contributions that Christians in Nigeria, as followers of Christ, have made and continue to make toward the progress of our country,” Tinubu added.
The President recalled that since assuming office in 2023, his administration has consistently assured Nigerians of its resolve to protect the nation’s security, cohesion and stability, stressing that this commitment is rooted in faith in God and loyalty to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He cautioned that no citizen should be persecuted or subjected to hardship for expressing or practising their religious beliefs, noting that devotion to God and compassion for humanity are shared principles among major faiths and should serve as a unifying force for the country.
Tinubu also disclosed that he had engaged leaders of Nigeria’s major religious groups over the past year in response to concerns about intolerance and insecurity, adding that such consultations would be strengthened to promote cooperation between the government and faith-based institutions in preventing conflict and fostering peaceful coexistence.
Extending Christmas greetings to Christians in Nigeria and across the world, the President prayed for lasting peace in the country, particularly among communities of different religious beliefs. He urged Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he described as the Prince of Peace.
He further advised citizens travelling during the festive period to remain patient and law-abiding on the roads, while wishing them safe journeys to their destinations.
