Tinubu: Nigeria Will Emerge Stronger from Religious Intolerance Allegations
Tinubu Pledges Calm, Diplomatic Engagement with U.S. Over Religious Intolerance Claims
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is handling recent allegations of religious intolerance made by U.S. President Donald Trump with calm and diplomatic restraint, expressing confidence that the nation will emerge stronger and more united.
Speaking with journalists at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said President Tinubu remains composed and is pursuing a multi-pronged, diplomatic approach to addressing the concerns raised by Washington.
According to the Minister, the Nigerian government is prioritising constructive engagement over inflammatory rhetoric and has opened new communication channels with international organisations to promote better understanding of the country’s ongoing reforms and long-term strategies.
“Coordinated efforts are underway across relevant government agencies,” Idris said. “We are working to ensure that the international community understands what Nigeria has been doing to strengthen tolerance, security, and national cohesion.”
He added that President Tinubu has been deliberate in reinforcing the nation’s security architecture, pointing to the recent appointment of new service chiefs and a Chief of Defence Staff as evidence of his commitment to safeguarding the nation.
“These appointments predate the U.S. concerns and show clearly that Mr President has been working assiduously to make Nigeria safer for all citizens,” the Minister noted.
Idris stressed that the government is engaging both domestic and international stakeholders through transparency, sustained dialogue, and a demonstrable commitment to religious tolerance and unity.
“We have opened channels of communication for international organisations to understand what Nigeria has done and what we intend to do further,” he said. “We do not want to overheat discussions; instead, we are quietly working to address all legitimate concerns.”
The Minister also highlighted ongoing consultations between the President and religious leaders across the country as part of a broader effort to foster mutual understanding and strengthen national unity.
“It is a multiple-approach effort. Mr President continues to meet with religious leaders, who are vital stakeholders in the Nigerian project,” Idris said.
He reaffirmed that President Tinubu will continue to engage actively with the United States and other global, regional, and continental partners to tackle insecurity and correct misconceptions about Nigeria’s religious landscape.
“Those spreading false narratives about religious intolerance are attempting to divide the country,” Idris warned. “We remain determined to eliminate criminal elements whose actions fuel these misleading impressions. Nigeria is not an intolerant country — that is absolutely false.”
Emphasising that Nigeria’s diversity is a source of strength, the Minister urged citizens to look beyond divisive rhetoric and unite against extremism.
“Nigeria has Muslims, Christians, and those of other beliefs. Our Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the President is fully committed to upholding that right,” Idris stated.
He called for reflection and unity, warning that extremist narratives seek to undermine the nation’s peace and cohesion.
“This is not the time for division or rhetoric. It is the time for nation-building and solidarity. Mr President is calm, deliberate, and treating this matter with the seriousness it deserves. We believe Nigeria will come out of this stronger,” Idris concluded.