The Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience (OSPRE), in partnership with CONCORD, a non-profit organisation focused on peacebuilding, development and human security, has organised an interfaith roundtable to promote religious harmony and national unity in Nigeria.
The dialogue, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Religious Pluralism: Faith, Dialogue and National Cohesion,” brought together religious leaders, peacebuilding experts, policy makers, community organisers and civil society groups in Abuja.
Organisations represented at the meeting included the Islamic Education Trust, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Kukah Centre, Neem Foundation, HumAngle Foundation, Centre for Civilians in Conflict, and the Centre for Peace Studies and Conflict Management, among others.
Participants discussed growing concerns over insecurity, social division and narratives linking religion to violence in Nigeria.
They agreed that insecurity in the country “is complex and driven by factors such as religious tensions, ethnic divisions, organised crime and competition over resources.’
The participants stressed that addressing these challenges requires responsive governance, stronger protection for local communities and sustained investment in peacebuilding and social integration initiatives.
Speaking at the event, the Director-General of OSPRE, Mr. Chris Ngwodo, called for a coordinated national response to violence and insecurity affecting rural communities.
Ngwodo said ‘lasting peace and resilience can only be achieved through inclusive strategies that address issues of justice, governance and development while protecting vulnerable communities.”
Also speaking, the Director of Integrative Missions and Dialogue at CONCORD, Ms. Fatima Madaki, highlighted the importance of promoting understanding and unity amid renewed international concerns over religious freedom in Nigeria.
According to Ms Madaki, “misinformation and divisive narratives on social media make it necessary for faith leaders and civic groups to promote peace, truth, justice and national unity.’
The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to continued interfaith dialogue and stronger partnerships aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence, national stability and inclusive development.
Programme Manager at OSPRE/National Early Warning Centre, Abuja, Hafsah Matazu, said that “the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen peace and cooperation across communities in Nigeria.”
