The Nigerian Government has urged religious and traditional leaders to take moral responsibility for strengthening collaboration networks, promoting grassroots mobilisation, advancing youth education, fostering peaceful coexistence, supporting good governance, enhancing security, and protecting national assets across communities.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, gave the charge at the 2026 first tri-annual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, themed “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion”.
Senator Akume stressed the need for Nigerians to embrace the values of peaceful coexistence, highlighting the critical role of religious leaders in shaping national narratives.
“Your responsibility is historic because you shape conscience, resolve conflicts, minimise hatred, and communicate the truth. You are the role models and the conscience of our communities,” he said.
He cautioned leaders against the misuse of religion, urging them to ensure that faith is not used to justify falsehood, discrimination, violence, or bloodshed.
“When faith is misused, both religion and the nation become victims. However, when it is expressed through mercy, discipline, and service, the entire nation benefits,” Akume stated.
The SGF also noted that Nigeria is approaching another political cycle, with the 2027 general elections on the horizon. He called on religious and traditional institutions, as well as youth and community-based organisations, to strengthen collaboration in sustaining peace and unity across the country.
In his remarks, the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Most Reverend Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, said the SGF’s message reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting inter-religious harmony and national cohesion.
“His dedication strengthens the bridge between government and faith-based institutions. Nigeria is a nation of immense diversity, ethnic, cultural, and religious,” he said.
Okoh described religious literacy as more than the study of doctrines and rituals.
“It is the cultivation of awareness, sensitivity, and respect for the beliefs and practices of others. It enables individuals and communities to engage constructively across differences, challenge stereotypes, and resist divisive narratives,” he noted.
Similarly, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasised dialogue as the most effective tool for addressing the nation’s religious and ethnic challenges, rather than confrontation or hate speech.
“Nigeria’s diversity, when properly understood and harnessed, is a source of strength and richness. However, when misunderstood or manipulated, it can become a fault line for division, conflict, and mistrust,” he said.
The Executive Secretary of NIREC, Reverend Father Cornelius Afebu Omonokhua, said the meeting aims to deepen interaction and understanding while laying a foundation for sustainable peace and religious harmony.
“The existence of NIREC reminds us that dialogue remains a vital instrument for nation-building. National cohesion cannot be built on suspicion, coercion, or exclusion, but on justice, dignity, mutual respect, and the assurance that every citizen matters,” he stated.
He added that the world, including Nigeria, continues to face challenges capable of triggering conflict, often driven by misunderstanding, stereotypes, poor communication, and the manipulation of identity.
NIREC was established to address persistent ethno-religious crises in Nigeria by promoting interfaith dialogue, particularly between Islam and Christianity. The council comprises 50 members, with equal representation from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), and is co-chaired by their respective leaders.
