The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar has said no one should be deceived that state sponsored religious persecution exists in Nigeria, insisting that the country remains a good example of religious plurality and democratic endurance.
Tuggar, who briefed the Diplomatic community in Abuja over the current situation in the country, said the issue of National security remains top priority of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Dunoma Ahmed, Tuggar who is in currently in Germany, said it was inaccurate to characterise Nigeria's security challenges as manifestations of state-sanctioned religious intolerance.
He decried the claims of religious genocide against Christians in the country, stating that it was unfounded.
He also assured members of the Diplomatic Community that government is doing everything possible to contain the threat of terrorism as currently seen in the country.
Tuggar said: ““National security remains a top priority for the Tinubu administration, which has adopted a comprehensive approach combining military strength, intelligence, diplomacy, and community engagement. Sustained operations such as Operation Hadin Kai and Operation Lake Sanity have degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP, reclaimed vast territories and facilitated the return of millions of displaced persons. Advanced surveillance technologies are being deployed to combat banditry and kidnapping, while community-based peace building and the National Early Warning and Response System (NEWS) enhance conflict prevention. Civil-military cooperation has strengthened trust, improved intelligence gathering, and reduced the recruitment of extremists.
“Nigeria remains a global exemplar of religious plurality and democratic endurance. The 1999 Constitution guarantees complete freedom of thought, conscience, and religion and prohibits the adoption of any state religion. The Nigerian state is secular in both structure and function; policies and institutions operate without religious bias, ensuring that Christians and Muslims hold leadership positions across all levels.
“ Recent external claims suggesting systemic religious persecution in Nigeria are unfounded. The recent designation of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) based on speculations of religious persecution is fundamentally misinformed. It misrepresents Nigeria's secular constitutional order and its record in protecting religious freedom. Nigeria's demographic balance, approximately equal Christian and Muslim populations, its interwoven communities, and its functioning multi- religious democracy stand as clear evidence of our coexistence.”
He added that. “Nigeria's judiciary has consistently demonstrated its independence, protecting freedom of expression and religion. The state continues to wage a comprehensive counter-terrorism campaign against groups that target Nigerians of all faiths. It is therefore inaccurate to characterise Nigeria's complex security challenges as manifestations of state- sanctioned religious intolerance.
“Nigeria's national legal framework contains no offence of blasphemy. The existing public-order laws are religion-neutral and protect all communities equally from incitement to violence. Sharia laws, limited to some northern states, apply only to Muslims and remain under the oversight of the secular judiciary. Christian and Muslim institutions operate freely, promoting peaceful coexistence. Interfaith harmony is sustained through institutions such as the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA.
On a Constructive Path Forward, he said: “Nigeria has consistently demonstrated its openness to dialogue and cooperation, and constructive engagement, which should remain the standard in the engagement between and among sovereign states in the international system. While Nigeria notes with grave concern the unfounded and disparaging rhetoric over the security situation in the country, it is our firm conviction that the international community will continue on the path of mutual respect and cooperation that fosters peace, prosperity, and harmony.”
He noted that: “Nigeria is a resilient and vibrant democracy confronting complex security challenges, not a state of religious persecution. Through its Constitution, courts, and security institutions, the Nigerian state remains the primary bulwark against sectarian violence and intolerance.
“A reassessment grounded in factual accuracy and an appreciation of Nigeria's unique model of religious pluralism within a constitutional democracy is both warranted and essential for productive international cooperation. Nigeria stands as a beacon of peace, stability, and progress in Africa, committed to protecting its citizens ensuring peaceful coexistence and strengthening global partnerships built on truth and mutual respect.
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your individual countries and organisations. Indeed, more than at any time before, we solicit the understanding, support and collaboration of well-meaning partners in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government towards economic growth and development and ensuring enhanced peace and security in the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerian, both at home and abroad. Let me reiterate that the reforms introduced by the Administration of H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, are game changers, in fact the games have changed.”
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