In a bid to check insidious effects of religious bigotry, violence, discrimination, extremism and hate speech in the country, Nigerian Senate is considering a bill to establish the National Religious Harmony Commission, NRHC.
Sponsored by Senator Sadiq Umar, the National Religious Harmony Commission (Establishment) Bill 2022, scaled second reading on Wednesday.
Senator Umar, while leading debate on the general principles of the bill, said the establishment of the commission had become necessary following the commitment of the federal government to promote inter-religious harmony and understanding among its citizens.
He explained that the NRHC, when established would serve as an intervention to promote religious tolerance, peace and harmony in Nigeria
“Having realised the sensitive role religion plays in national security, peace and harmony, the Federal Government wishes to promote inter-religious harmony and understanding due to the chequers history of religious intolerance in the Nigerian polity”, Senator Umar stressed.
The lawmaker added that the bill seeks to create an enabling environment for the peaceful coexistence of different religious beliefs within the Nigerian nation as well as provide a forum for public enlightenment and dialogue.
Doing so, he argued would limit controversy and confrontation over allegations of discriminations based on religious identities to check the insidious effects of religious bigotry, profiling, stereotyping, violence, discrimination, extremism and hate speech.
Senator Umar observed that the United Nations Charter and several provisions of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) are based on the principles of the dignity and equality of all human beings.
He explained that the UN charter seeks the promotion and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction to race, sex, language or religion.
The bill also states that the commission would, among others, ensure the protection of right to religious freedom, assist victims of religious discrimination or violations, investigate cases of religious extremism and hate speeches, and detect and curtail early warning signals of acts capable of triggering religious tension in the country.
According to the bill, the commission would be charged with the responsibility to review safeguards provided under the Constitution or any law for the protection of religious rights and recommend measures for their effective implementation and enforcement.
The bill, after consideration was referred by the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, to the Committee on Establishment and Public Service Matters for legislative inputs and to report back within four weeks.
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