President Bola Tinubu has pushed back against former U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim that Nigeria is unsafe for Christians, insisting that the country upholds freedom of religion and protects citizens of every faith.

Trump had recently announced that Nigeria was being designated a “country of particular concern” over what he described as the “persecution of Christians.” He alleged that thousands of believers were being killed by extremists and called on U.S. lawmakers to investigate the matter.

In a response shared on X, Tinubu described Trump’s remarks as misleading and not reflective of Nigeria’s reality. He said Nigeria is a democracy built on constitutional guarantees that protect the religious rights of all its citizens.

“Nigeria stands firmly as a nation guided by liberty and tolerance,” Tinubu stated. “Our administration continues to work with both Christian and Muslim leaders to address the security challenges that affect citizens across all regions.”

The president emphasized that religious harmony has long been a cornerstone of the nation’s identity, stressing that the government neither supports nor tolerates any form of persecution.

He also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to international cooperation, saying his administration will keep working with the United States and other partners to safeguard vulnerable communities and strengthen global peace.

“Collaboration and understanding remain vital in ensuring the protection of people of all faiths,” Tinubu added.

Trump’s comments have stirred reactions from Nigerians and religious organizations, many of whom accused the former U.S. president of painting a false picture of the country’s religious landscape.