ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has rejected US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” (CPC), describing the move as inconsistent with the country’s democratic values and constitutional protections for religious freedom.
In a statement issued on Saturday, November 1, 2025, Tinubu pushed back strongly against claims of religious persecution in Nigeria, insisting the nation remains committed to safeguarding the rights of all faiths.
“Nigeria stands firmly as a democracy governed by constitutional guarantees of religious liberty,” he said.
“The characterisation of Nigeria as religiously intolerant does not reflect our national reality, nor does it take into consideration the consistent and sincere efforts of the government to safeguard freedom of religion and beliefs for all Nigerians.”
Trump announced the redesignation on Friday, citing allegations of widespread persecution of Christians and calling Nigeria a “country of particular concern” — a classification that triggers scrutiny and potential sanctions under US law.
The move followed mounting pressure from some US lawmakers, evangelical groups, and lobbyists who argue that Christian communities face targeted violence in parts of Nigeria.
But Tinubu dismissed the accusations as inaccurate.
He said his administration has maintained “open and active engagement” with Christian and Muslim leaders since taking office in 2023 and continues to confront security threats that affect Nigerians across religious lines.
“Since 2023, our administration has maintained an open and active engagement with Christian and Muslim leaders alike and continues to address security challenges which affect citizens across faiths and regions,” he said.
He noted that extremist groups in Nigeria target both Muslims and Christians, and warned that mischaracterising the crisis risks undermining unity.
“Violent groups operating in parts of the country target both Christians and Muslims, undermining national peace and unity,” he stated.
“Religious freedom and tolerance have been core tenets of our collective identity and shall always remain so.”
Tinubu reaffirmed Nigeria’s willingness to work with Washington and the broader international community to enhance interfaith understanding and protect vulnerable communities.
“Our administration is committed to working with the United States government and the international community to deepen understanding and cooperation on protection of communities of all faiths,” he said.
“Nigeria is a country with constitutional guarantees to protect citizens of all faiths. Intolerance is not our identity.”
Nigeria was first placed on the CPC list by the Trump administration in 2020 but removed by President Joe Biden in 2021.
Trump’s decision to reapply the designation comes amid heightened debate in Washington over religious-freedom protections abroad and follows his recent warning that the US is prepared to halt aid to Nigeria and “go in guns-a-blazing” if attacks on Christians persist.
Nigeria’s foreign ministry is expected to issue a more detailed diplomatic response in the coming days as discussions continue between Abuja and Washington.
