As Christians across Nigeria marked Christmas on Wednesday, President Bola Tinubu and several state governors used the occasion to call for peace, tolerance and national unity, even as organised labour renewed demands for tax justice and broader social reforms.
In his Christmas message, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious freedom, insisting that no Nigerian should be made to suffer or die because of their beliefs. Religious tolerance, he said, remained a core national value capable of binding the country together despite its diversity.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” the president said. “The love for God and the love for humanity are at the heart of all great faiths. These shared values must continue to bind us together as one indivisible and resilient people.”
The message, personally signed by Tinubu and his third Christmas address since taking office in May 2023, comes amid renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s record on religious freedom. In October, the United States redesignated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” under the International Religious Freedom Act, citing alleged severe violations.
Tinubu, a Muslim married to a Christian, rejected claims of official indifference and said his government remained committed to protecting the constitutional rights of all Nigerians to worship freely. He disclosed that he had held extensive engagements with leaders of Nigeria’s major faiths and promised to strengthen collaboration to prevent conflict and promote peaceful coexistence.
Describing Christmas as a season of hope, the president paid tribute to Nigerian Christians for their contributions to national development and urged citizens travelling for the holidays to exercise patience and discipline on the roads.
Across the states, governors echoed similar themes. In Delta, Sheriff Oborevwori called on residents to embrace love, unity and Christ-like living, highlighting achievements under his administration’s MORE Agenda and promising that the 2026 budget would prioritise infrastructure, jobs, education and healthcare.
Katsina governor Dikko Radda assured Christians of his administration’s commitment to protecting their rights, while Bayelsa governor Douye Diri urged residents to draw strength from faith amid grief following the death of his deputy, quoting scripture to emphasise resilience in moments of weakness.
Adamawa’s Ahmadu Fintiri described Christmas as a symbol of hope despite economic and security challenges, while governors in Ondo and Sokoto urged prayers for peace and an end to insecurity.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), however, used the season to strike a more political note. In a Christmas message signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the union acknowledged the hardship facing millions of Nigerians but insisted that hope lay in collective action rather than passive faith.
The NLC warned against unjust taxation as new tax laws are set to take effect in January, demanding tax justice and the removal of what it described as regressive policies. It also called for action against corruption, insecurity and poor governance, urging Nigerians not to be divided along ethnic or religious lines.
“Our strength lies in our unity,” the statement said, calling on citizens to organise and mobilise in defence of wages, pensions and dignity.
As Nigeria heads into 2026, the union urged renewed commitment to solidarity and social justice, while political leaders leaned on the symbolism of Christmas to appeal for peace in a country still grappling with deep economic and security challenges.
