By Joy Odor – Reportcircle News
As Christians across Nigeria and the diaspora marked Christmas, the country’s foreign policy chief used the season to send a broader message, one that links faith, national identity and the state’s responsibility to protect diversity.
Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs (MFA), Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, in a Christmas message signed by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister Wednesday, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to religious freedom, social cohesion and the protection of all faith communities, describing these principles as central to both domestic stability and Nigeria’s global standing.
The message, delivered at a time of heightened sensitivity around security and social trust, framed Christmas not merely as a religious celebration but as a national moment for reflection, renewal and recommitment to peaceful coexistence.
Tuggar said the values associated with the season of compassion, sacrifice and hope mirror the ideals required to sustain Nigeria’s multi-faith and multicultural society.
According to the minister, Christmas presents an opportunity for Nigerians to deepen dialogue, strengthen mutual respect and embrace shared responsibility in safeguarding peace within communities.
He stressed that unity, rather than uniformity, remains Nigeria’s greatest strength.
Tuggar was unequivocal in outlining government priorities.
He stated that Nigeria will continue to reinforce its institutions to ensure the safety, dignity and rights of citizens of all religious backgrounds, both within the country and across the diaspora.
These commitments, he noted, are not symbolic but form a core part of government policy and diplomatic engagement.
“The Nigerian state is founded on the principle of freedom of worship and mutual respect among its people,” Tuggar said. “We are resolute in reinforcing our institutions to uphold these values, deepen interfaith understanding, and ensure that no citizen is excluded or marginalized on account of belief.”
The message carries particular weight for Nigeria’s international image, where issues of religious tolerance and social stability increasingly intersect with diplomacy, investment and global partnerships.
By placing religious harmony at the heart of national policy, the minister signalled continuity in Nigeria’s stance as a plural democracy committed to inclusion.
As the year draws to a close, Tuggar urged Nigerians to approach the future with patience and hope, reminding citizens that the country’s progress depends on recognising a shared destiny despite differences in belief or background.
He concluded by wishing Christians in Nigeria and around the world a peaceful Christmas and a New Year marked by good health, renewed purpose and collective advancement for the nation.
