…As National Conference Calls for Unity, Peace and Interfaith Cooperation
By Abdulrahman Aliagan, Abuja
With concerns mounting over divisive rhetoric and intolerance across the country, Nigeria’s leading Muslim clerics, scholars, and traditional rulers have renewed calls for stronger protection of religious freedom, insisting that peace, dialogue and mutual respect must remain central to the nation’s unity.
That message reverberated strongly at the National Muslim Leaders Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), held at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja. The two-day forum, organised by Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA), focused on the theme: “Islam and the Image of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Building a Just and Peaceful Nation.” The gathering brought together top Muslim voices — chief imams, academics, community leaders, and policy influencers — all working to strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to protecting FoRB as guaranteed under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.
One of the Chief Imams of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Adam, described Nigeria’s religious and ethnic diversity as a blessing that must be jealously protected. “Peace is a red line; without it, we cannot progress as a nation,” he said. “God in His infinite mercy created Nigerians in different tribes, ethnicities, and religions — and placed us together. We must maintain peace and protect our unity.” He warned that the tragic experience of the Rwandan genocide should always remind Nigerians never to allow external influences or internal hatred to drive the nation toward disaster.
Felix Joseph Samari, the Country Representative of Faith and Freedom Africa emphasized that FoRB is not about favouring any religion, but about protecting human dignity.
“FoRB does not protect a religion — it protects human beings,” he said. “Every person has the right to believe, worship, or not believe — alone or collectively — without harassment.”
He urged Nigerian Muslims to take leadership in shaping the country’s local narrative on FoRB rather than allowing outsiders to define it.
According to Samari, "Just about two months ago, I stood before Christian leaders at the National Christian Centre here in Abuja for a similar engagement. On that day, I mentioned that our next step would be to convene our Muslim leaders for a conversation on the same essential subject, Freedom of Religion or belief. Today, by the grace of God, that they as come. I am grateful to God and deeply honoured that we gathered as partners I. A movement committed to building a peaceful, just, and harmonious nation where everyone can practice their faith freely without fear.
He stated further, "The National Muslim Leaders Conference is holding g at a time when Nigeria is undergoing intense conversation about the right to religious freedom. For us at Faith and Freedom Africa, this is not a new concern. What feels new today are the emerging narrative and dimensions surrounding FoRB in our country. This shift are not because religious leaders have been silent, but perhaps because as a nation, we have not insisted strongly enough on a shared, sincere and well defined National agenda for freedom of religion or belief. And indeed, it is you our esteemed religious leaders that hold the moral authority to champion this agenda.
Speakers rooted their messages in the Qur’an, noting Islam’s clear stance on peaceful coexistence and the absence of compulsion in matters of faith. Guest lecturer, Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa, a Professor in the department of Accounting, Ahmadu Bello University, (ABU), Zaria noted that the work of a cleric is to guide society with wisdom, not to promote hate or violence.
“Inflammatory preaching has no place in Islam. A cleric’s mission is to guide — not incite hatred,” he stressed.
Governance expert, Dogarawa reminded participants that Nigeria’s global reputation depends on how well its people treat one another.
“Nigeria is our only homeland — we must demonstrate unity, patriotism and tolerance,” he said.
Another respected interfaith advocate, Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, a Co-founder of the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), Kaduna,p and the founder of Ashafa Relief Foundation, both of which focus on peace building, Interfaith dialogue and community development who drew from the Prophet Muhammad’s example of kindness to neighbours and cooperation with non-Muslims, explaining that Muslims today must revive those values to reduce rising suspicion between faith communities.
Navy Captain (Imam) Gidado Taofiq, Chief Imam of the Defence Headquarters, warned against branding crimes with religious labels. “Crime has no religion. You cannot say ‘Islamic terrorism’ or ‘Islamic banditry.’ Terrorism is terrorism, banditry is banditry,” he stated firmly.
He urged Nigeria’s media industry to desist from sensational reporting capable of provoking conflict, and supported the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs to help regulate preaching nationwide and promote harmony.
Historian and senior scholar, Prof. Sani Umar of the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies, University of Abuja, presented a paper titled “Freedom of Religion or Belief: Imperative for Peace and Development,” where he linked FoRB directly to national growth.
According to him, “No development can take place where fear, injustice, or discrimination thrives,” he insisted.
“Freedom of religion is essential for national stability and prosperity.” His submission drew strong applause.
Other speakers strengthened the discourse from different perspectives. Mallam Abdullazeez Shittu of the University of Abuja noted that peace has become the world’s most expensive commodity, warning that the absence of FoRB accelerates global conflict.
Mallam Hassan Buniyadi of JIBWIS, FCT, condemned parents who bring children into the world without taking responsibility for their upbringing — a trend he said fuels societal ignorance and extremism.
Participants such as Mallam Sulaiman Shuaibu of Arewa Forum Kaduna, and Malam Yusuf Sherifudeen of Abubakar Audu University, Kogi State, praised Faith and Freedom Africa for spearheading a movement that they believe will drastically reduce religious tensions and empower believers to practice their faith confidently.
Imam Tahir Baba Ibrahim, who represented the Kaduna State Bureau of Religious Affairs, endorsed the call for a federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, noting that a structured coordination of religious activities could prevent crises.
Traditional rulers also pledged commitment to FoRB advocacy. The Emir of Kaura-Namoda, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, emphasized that cultural leaders must protect diversity and equal rights among adherents of all faiths, cautioning that removing religious education from schools would only fuel extremism.
The Emir of Gwargada in Kuje Area Council commended FFA for its peace-building efforts and declared his full support going forward.
In his goodwill message, the Etsu Nupe congratulated the organisers for convening the conference at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history. He urged them to scale the engagement by taking similar sensitization events to states and local government areas nationwide.
Meanwhile, Waziri Kebbi advised that the communiqué from the conference be submitted to state governors, with strategic plans for government involvement in promoting peaceful coexistence and FoRB compliance.
The conference also reviewed the progress Faith and Freedom Africa has made in FoRB advocacy over the years. Aside from Abuja, the organisation has successfully implemented community engagement activities in Jalingo, Taraba State, and Makurdi, Benue State — initiatives that have boosted trust, reduced fear and improved knowledge about freedom of religion among grassroots populations.
Looking ahead, participants were informed of a landmark Joint Muslim–Christian Leaders Conference scheduled for the first quarter of 2026 — a major step designed to consolidate progress, strengthen interfaith networks, and ensure that no Nigerian is intimidated or harassed for their faith identity.
As the event drew to a close, Dr. Shehu Usman, Assistant Imam of the National Mosque, offered special prayers for Nigeria’s peace and unity, while representatives from women and youth faith organisations — including Hajia Muheebat Abdulrasaq from FOMWAN — reaffirmed their dedication to promoting tolerance through community initiatives.
The overarching message from the gathering was clear and compelling: Nigeria’s diversity is a gift from God; religious freedom is a non-negotiable human right; peace is the foundation of worship; and unity is the true expression of faith.
The Abuja conference — built on scholarship, dialogue, and shared patriotic conviction — marks a significant stride toward a nation where every Nigerian can worship freely, build trust with neighbours of different beliefs, and contribute together to peace and progress.
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