- Says claims of religious persecution are baseless
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a shining example of religious plurality and democratic resilience, dismissing suggestions of state-sponsored religious persecution.
Speaking during a briefing with members of the Diplomatic Community in Abuja on the current national situation, Tuggar, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, stressed that national security remains a top priority for President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He noted that it was inaccurate to describe Nigeria’s security challenges as evidence of religious intolerance, insisting that the government is committed to protecting citizens of all faiths. “National security remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration, which has adopted a comprehensive approach combining military strength, intelligence, diplomacy, and community engagement,” Tuggar said.
He highlighted the success of sustained military operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity, which have significantly weakened terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed large territories, and enabled the return of millions of displaced persons.
According to him, Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees complete freedom of thought, conscience, and religion, while prohibiting the adoption of any state religion. He emphasised that Nigeria’s secular structure ensures equitable representation of both Christians and Muslims in governance at all levels.
Tuggar described as “misinformed” the recent external claims that Nigeria has been designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” (CPC) over alleged religious persecution, stressing that such assertions misrepresent the country’s secular order and history of peaceful coexistence. “Nigeria’s demographic balance—approximately equal Christian and Muslim populations—its interwoven communities, and functioning multi-religious democracy stand as clear evidence of coexistence,” he stated.
He further explained that Nigeria’s judiciary continues to safeguard freedom of religion and expression, adding that there is no law criminalising blasphemy in the country. Sharia laws, he said, apply only to Muslims in some northern states and remain under the oversight of the secular courts.
Tuggar cited interfaith institutions such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) as key pillars promoting harmony and dialogue.
Calling for constructive international engagement, Tuggar urged foreign partners to base their assessments on facts and mutual respect rather than speculation. “Nigeria is a resilient and vibrant democracy confronting complex security challenges, not a state of religious persecution,” he asserted. “We stand as a beacon of peace, stability, and progress in Africa, committed to promoting coexistence and strengthening global partnerships built on truth and respect.”
He reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to dialogue, cooperation, and reforms under President Tinubu’s administration, which, he said, are “game changers” aimed at ensuring peace, prosperity, and a better life for all Nigerians at home and abroad.
