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….As National Conference in Abuja Champions Unity, Peace and Interfaith Cooperation

Nigeria’s foremost Muslim clerics, scholars and traditional rulers have issued a renewed call for stronger protection of religious freedom. They warned that rising intolerance and divisive rhetoric threaten the country’s unity. This also affects the nation’s stability. Their message, centred on peace, dialogue and mutual respect, dominated discussions at the National Muslim Leaders Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), held at the National Mosque Conference Hall, Abuja.

The two-day conference, 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.” It drew chief imams, academics, community figures and policy advocates committed to defending FoRB as guaranteed under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.

Prof. Muhammad Adam, one of the Chief Imams of the National Mosque, described Nigeria’s ethnic and religious plurality as a divine blessing to be urgently safeguarded. He warned that the catastrophic Rwandan genocide must remain a reminder that hatred — whether imported or home-grown — must never be allowed to push Nigeria toward conflict. “Peace is a red line; without it, we cannot progress as a nation,” he declared.

Felix Joseph Samari, Country Representative of Faith and Freedom Africa, underscored that FoRB protects people—not religion. He urged Nigerian Muslims to take ownership of the national narrative on religious freedom rather than leaving it to external actors.

Reflecting on recent engagements with Christian leaders, Samari said the Muslim conference came at a time of increasingly charged debates around FoRB and stressed that religious leaders hold the moral authority to drive a national agenda for sincere, shared protection of religious liberty.

Speakers frequently cited the Qur’an’s guidance on peaceful coexistence and its prohibition of compulsion in matters of faith. Guest lecturer Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, emphasized that clerics are called to guide society with wisdom, not to inflame tensions.

He insisted that Nigeria’s reputation in the global community depends on how citizens treat one another and urged renewed patriotism and tolerance.

Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa, co-founder of the Interfaith Mediation Center and founder of Ashafa Relief Foundation, highlighted the Prophet Muhammad’s example of compassion toward neighbours, including non-Muslims. He urged contemporary Muslims to revive those values to stem rising suspicion between faith communities.

Navy Captain (Imam) Gidado Taofiq, Chief Imam of the Defence Headquarters, condemned attaching religious labels to crime. He cautioned the media against sensationalism capable of fueling unrest and supported the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs to regulate preaching and promote national cohesion.

Prof. Sani Umar of the University of Abuja linked FoRB directly to development in his paper, “Freedom of Religion or Belief: Imperative for Peace and Development.” He maintained that no society can advance in an atmosphere of fear, injustice or discrimination, a position that drew loud applause from the audience.

Other scholars added depth to the conversation. Mallam Abdullazeez Shittu of the University of Abuja warned that peace has become the world’s most expensive commodity and that weak protection of FoRB fuels global conflict. Mallam Hassan Buniyadi of JIBWIS, FCT, criticized parents who neglect their responsibilities, noting that such neglect fuels ignorance and extremism.

Participants including Mallam Sulaiman Shuaibu of Arewa Forum Kaduna and Malam Yusuf Sherifudeen of Abubakar Audu University praised FFA for championing an initiative they believe will drastically reduce religious tension and empower Nigerians to practice their faith without fear.

Imam Tahir Baba Ibrahim, representing the Kaduna State Bureau of Religious Affairs, endorsed the call for a federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, saying structured coordination of religious activities could avert crises. Traditional rulers expressed similar support.

The Emir of Kaura-Namoda, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, urged leaders to protect diversity and equal rights and warned against removing religious education from schools, calling it a potential catalyst for extremism. The Emir of Gwargada in Kuje Area Council commended FFA’s peace-building efforts and pledged continued support.

In his goodwill message, the Etsu Nupe congratulated the organisers for convening the conference at a pivotal moment and encouraged them to expand the sensitization campaign to states and local governments. Waziri Kebbi advised that the conference communiqué be forwarded to governors along with strategic recommendations for government participation in FoRB implementation.

The forum also reviewed FFA’s progress in FoRB advocacy, including successful community engagements in Jalingo and Makurdi. These initiatives have strengthened trust, reduced fear and expanded grassroots understanding of religious freedom.

Participants were informed of an upcoming landmark Joint Muslim–Christian Leaders Conference scheduled for the first quarter of 2026, aimed at consolidating gains, fortifying interfaith networks and ensuring that no Nigerian suffers harassment or intimidation based on religious identity.

As the conference concluded, Dr. Shehu Usman, Assistant Imam of the National Mosque, offered prayers for the nation’s peace and unity. Women and youth representatives, including Hajia Muheebat Abdulrasaq of FOMWAN, reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tolerance and peaceful coexistence.

The message from Abuja was unambiguous: Nigeria’s diversity is a divine gift; religious freedom is a fundamental and non-negotiable right; peace is the bedrock of national life; and unity is the highest expression of faith.

Through scholarly engagement, dialogue and shared patriotism, the conference marked a significant step toward building a Nigeria where every citizen can worship freely and contribute to national development.

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