As Christians across Nigeria celebrate Christmas, President Bola Tinubu, state governors and other national leaders have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity and love, while the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) used the occasion to renew its demand for tax justice and social equity.
In his Christmas message released on Wednesday, President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious tolerance, stressing that no Nigerian should suffer discrimination or violence because of their faith.
“No one, regardless of ethnicity or belief, should be made to suffer for professing and practising his faith,” the President said, describing religious tolerance as a core national value that binds the country together.
Tinubu, in his third Christmas address since assuming office in May 2023, reiterated that protecting the constitutional right of Nigerians to worship freely remains a priority of his government. He noted that love for God and humanity is central to all faiths and should continue to unite the nation despite its diversity.
The President also paid tribute to Nigerian Christians for their contributions to national development and urged citizens to draw hope from the Christmas message, even in the face of economic and security challenges. He called for patience and discipline among Nigerians travelling during the holidays and wished citizens peace and safety.
Across the states, governors echoed similar messages. Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, urged residents to embrace love, unity and Christ-like values, highlighting progress recorded under his administration and assuring that the 2026 state budget would prioritise infrastructure, job creation and social welfare.
Katsina State Governor, Dikko Radda, Adamawa Governor, Ahmadu Fintiri, Ondo Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and Sokoto Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, also called for peace, tolerance and prayers for national stability, while assuring Christians of protection and freedom of worship.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress struck a different tone, using its Christmas message to criticise economic hardship and warn against unjust taxation. NLC President, Joe Ajaero, acknowledged the challenges facing Nigerian workers but urged citizens not to lose hope, stressing that change must be driven by collective action and unity.
The labour union cautioned against policies that deepen hardship and rejected any tax system imposed without workers’ input, insisting that only fair and progressive taxation should be implemented.
“Any tax system that excludes workers from its formulation is unjust and unacceptable,” the NLC stated, calling for tax justice, social equity and improved access to healthcare, education and security.
The union also urged Nigerians to resist division along ethnic or religious lines and to remain organised and united in confronting corruption, poor governance and inequality.
Other prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, also used the Christmas season to call for healing, forgiveness and national unity, urging Nigerians to rise above divisions and recommit to shared values of love and compassion.
Despite widespread reports of falling food prices in some parts of the country, many Nigerians said Christmas celebrations remain modest due to low incomes, rising production costs and insecurity, highlighting the ongoing economic pressures facing households nationwide.
Overall, the Christmas messages reflected a mix of hope, calls for unity and renewed demands for fairness, as Nigerians mark the festive season amid persistent socio-economic challenges.
