President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace peace, religious tolerance and national unity as Christians across the country and around the world celebrate Christmas.
In his 2025 Christmas goodwill message released on Wednesday, December 25, the President called on citizens to reflect on the message of Jesus Christ, describing Christmas as a season of “grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity.”
“As we mark this year’s Christmas, may the love of Christ and his message of grace, hope, peace, and goodwill to humanity abide with us all,” Tinubu said.
He noted that beyond the festivities, Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ and His role as the “Prince of Peace,” while extending warm wishes to Christians in Nigeria and globally.
“On this Holy Day, I wish all Christians in Nigeria and around the world a Merry Christmas,” the President said, adding that he was grateful to God for the opportunity to serve the nation. He also prayed for peace across Nigeria, “especially among individuals of differing religious beliefs.”
Reaffirming his administration’s stance on religious freedom, Tinubu said his government remains committed to protecting Nigerians of all faiths from violence and discrimination.
“As your President, I remain committed to doing everything within my power to enshrine religious freedom in Nigeria and to protect all people of different faiths from violence,” he stated.
The President commended Christians for their contributions to national development, noting that the teachings of Christ have inspired many to serve the vulnerable and promote harmony in society.
“The love of Christ and the message of the Gospel have inspired many Christians to care for the vulnerable and less privileged in our society,” Tinubu said. “We honour those who, following the example of Jesus, work tirelessly to promote peace, harmony, and tolerance in their communities.”
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s unity and stability, a promise he said has remained firm since he assumed office in 2023.
“That commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said. “All Nigerians have the right to live, worship, and pursue their aspirations in safety and dignity.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should suffer persecution because of their faith, ethnicity or belief, adding that shared values across religions should continue to unite the country.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” Tinubu said. “These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people of our blessed country.”
The President also disclosed that his administration has been engaging religious leaders to address issues of intolerance and insecurity, pledging to strengthen collaboration between government and faith-based institutions.
“Throughout the year, I have had the privilege of engaging with prominent leaders from the two major faiths in the country,” he said. “We will build on these conversations to strengthen collaboration, prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.”
As Nigerians travel during the holiday season, Tinubu appealed for patience and discipline on the roads, wishing travelers safe journeys and safe returns.
Concluding his message, the President expressed optimism about the country’s future, saying, “With confidence in divine providence and our collective strength, we will continue the work of building a greater Nigeria—one that future generations will be proud of.”
He wished Nigerians “a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year in advance.”
