As Christians across Nigeria celebrate Christmas, President Bola Tinubu, state governors, labour leaders and prominent Nigerians have urged citizens to embrace peace, unity and tolerance, even as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) cautioned against unjust taxation amid economic hardship.
In his Christmas message released on Wednesday, Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, stressing that no Nigerian should suffer or die because of their faith. He described religious freedom as a core national value and pledged to protect the constitutional rights of all citizens to worship freely.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” the President said, adding that love for God and humanity remains a shared value binding the nation together.
The message, Tinubu’s third Christmas address since assuming office in May 2023, came amid renewed international scrutiny of Nigeria’s religious freedom record. He, however, assured Nigerians that his government remained steadfast in safeguarding unity, security and peaceful coexistence.
Tinubu also paid tribute to Christians for their contributions to national development, describing Christmas as a season of hope and urging Nigerians travelling during the holidays to exercise patience and discipline on the roads.
Governors’ Messages
Across the states, governors echoed similar calls. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged residents to embrace love, unity and Christ-like virtues, highlighting progress under his administration and noting that the 2026 budget prioritises infrastructure, jobs, education and healthcare.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, assured Christians of freedom of worship and called for tolerance, while Bayelsa Governor, Douye Diri, urged residents to draw strength from faith following the death of his deputy. Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, described Christmas as a symbol of hope, while Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Sokoto Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, stressed peaceful coexistence and prayers for an end to insecurity.
NLC: ‘Strength in Unity’
The NLC, in its Christmas message signed by President Joe Ajaero, acknowledged the economic hardships facing Nigerians but urged workers to find hope in collective action. The Congress warned against division along ethnic or religious lines and insisted that unity remained the people’s strongest weapon.
Against the backdrop of new tax laws set to take effect from January 1, the NLC cautioned against what it described as unjust and regressive taxation, insisting that any tax system excluding workers from its formulation was unacceptable. It also called for social justice, improved healthcare, education, security and decisive action against corruption and poor governance.
Atiku, Others Speak
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged Nigerians to use the Christmas season for healing, forgiveness and national unity, calling on citizens to rise above divisions. Other leaders and stakeholders, including traditional rulers, clergy and former political office holders, similarly called for love, tolerance, integrity in leadership and prayers for the nation.
Mixed Festive Mood Nationwide
Meanwhile, reports from across the country showed mixed experiences as Nigerians marked Christmas. While food prices dropped in several states due to improved harvests, many households said limited incomes and rising production costs continued to constrain celebrations. In some northern states, insecurity and high costs still kept food largely out of reach, while others reported modest relief despite lingering financial pressures.
Across Nigeria, residents celebrated cautiously, grateful for reduced food prices in some areas but mindful of ongoing economic challenges shaping daily life.
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