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….National Conference in Abuja Unites Clerics, Scholars and Traditional Rulers in Push for Peace, Dialogue and National Stability
Leading Muslim clerics, scholars and traditional rulers from across Nigeria have intensified calls for stronger protection of religious freedom, warning that rising intolerance and divisive rhetoric threaten the nation’s fragile unity. The renewed appeal resonated throughout the National Muslim Leaders Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), held at the National Mosque Conference Hall in Abuja.
The two-day conference, convened by Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA), centred on the theme “Islam and the Image of Religious Freedom in Nigeria: Building a Just and Peaceful Nation.” It brought together chief imams, academics, community influencers and policy advocates determined to reinforce Nigeria’s constitutional guarantee of religious liberty under Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution.
One of the Chief Imams of the National Mosque, Prof. Muhammad Adam, emphasised that Nigeria’s ethnic and religious diversity is a divine gift that must be zealously protected. He cautioned that the tragic lessons of the Rwandan genocide should serve as a perpetual reminder that hatred — whether imported or internal — must never be allowed to endanger Nigeria’s future. “Peace is a red line; without it, we cannot progress as a nation,” he said, stressing that God created Nigerians in different tribes and faiths and placed them together to coexist in unity.
Felix Joseph Samari, Country Representative of Faith and Freedom Africa, underscored the central principle that FoRB protects people—not religion. He urged Nigerian Muslims to take leadership in shaping local understanding of religious freedom rather than allowing external actors to dictate narratives. Samari recalled that only two months earlier, he stood before Christian leaders for a similar engagement, and expressed gratitude that Muslim leaders had now gathered to advance the same cause. He described FoRB as an area of growing national debate, noting that the emerging narratives are not a result of religious silence but rather the absence of a clearly defined national agenda. He told participants that they, as respected spiritual leaders, possess the moral authority to champion that agenda.
Speakers grounded their presentations in Qur’anic teachings, stressing Islam’s longstanding commitment to peaceful coexistence and rejection of coercion in matters of belief. Guest lecturer Prof. Ahmad Bello Dogarawa of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, explained that clerics are expected to guide society with wisdom, not provoke discord. He warned that inflammatory preaching stands in contradiction to Islamic values and urged religious leaders to exemplify tolerance, patriotism and unity, reminding them that Nigeria’s global image hinges on how its citizens treat one another. 
Renowned interfaith advocate, Imam Dr. Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa — co-founder of the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC), Kaduna, and founder of the Ashafa Relief Foundation — drew on the Prophet Muhammad’s exemplary conduct toward neighbours of all faiths. He encouraged Nigerian Muslims to revive those values in order to reduce suspicion and tension among religious communities.
Navy Captain (Imam) Gidado Taofiq, Chief Imam of the Defence Headquarters, cautioned strongly against associating crimes with religion. He maintained that terrorism and banditry have no religious identity and urged the media to avoid sensational narratives that can trigger conflict. He also supported calls for the creation of a Ministry of Religious Affairs to regulate preaching and promote religious harmony nationwide.
Historian and scholar Prof. Sani Umar of the University of Abuja presented a paper titled “Freedom of Religion or Belief: Imperative for Peace and Development,” in which he linked FoRB directly to national stability and growth. He argued that no society can achieve development where fear, inequality or discrimination prevails, a position that received enthusiastic applause.
Contributions from other speakers deepened the conversation. Mallam Abdullazeez Shittu of the University of Abuja identified peace as the world’s most expensive commodity and warned that inadequate respect for FoRB accelerates global conflict. Mallam Hassan Buniyadi of JIBWIS, FCT, criticised parents who fail in their responsibility to properly raise their children, observing that such negligence fuels ignorance and extremism.
Participants including Mallam Sulaiman Shuaibu of Arewa Forum Kaduna and Malam Yusuf Sherifudeen of Abubakar Audu University commended Faith and Freedom Africa for championing a movement they believe will significantly reduce religious tensions and empower Nigerians to freely practice their faith.
Imam Tahir Baba Ibrahim, representing the Kaduna State Bureau of Religious Affairs, backed the proposal for a federal Ministry of Religious Affairs, noting that coordinated oversight of religious activities could help prevent crises. Traditional rulers echoed this sentiment. The Emir of Kaura-Namoda, Alhaji Sanusi Muhammad, stressed the responsibility of cultural leaders to protect diversity and equal rights. He also warned that removing religious education from schools could worsen extremism. The Emir of Gwargada in Kuje Area Council praised FFA’s peace-building efforts and pledged full support.
In a goodwill message, the Etsu Nupe congratulated the organisers for convening the conference at a decisive moment in Nigeria’s history and urged them to extend their sensitization efforts to states and local government areas. Waziri Kebbi recommended that the conference communiqué be forwarded to state governors accompanied by actionable strategies to promote peaceful coexistence and FoRB compliance.
The conference reviewed the progress FFA has made in promoting FoRB over the years, particularly through grassroots engagement initiatives in Jalingo, Taraba State, and Makurdi, Benue State. These interventions have strengthened trust, dispelled fear and increased public understanding of religious freedom.
Participants were also informed about a landmark Joint Muslim–Christian Leaders Conference scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. The event is expected to consolidate interfaith cooperation, deepen advocacy and reinforce efforts to ensure that every Nigerian can practice their faith without intimidation or harassment.
As the conference drew to a close, Dr. Shehu Usman, Assistant Imam of the National Mosque, offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace and unity. Women and youth faith-based organisations—including representatives such as Hajia Muheebat Abdulrasaq of FOMWAN—reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tolerance and strengthening peace through community-focused initiatives.
The central message emerging from the Abuja gathering was unmistakable: Nigeria’s diversity is a divine asset; religious freedom is an inherent and non-negotiable human right; peace is the foundation upon which worship and nation-building rest; and unity remains the ultimate expression of true faith. The conference, built on scholarship, dialogue and patriotic resolve, marked a powerful stride toward a Nigeria where every citizen can worship without fear and contribute meaningfully to the country’s progress.
