Reverend Joseph John Hayab, GPF Nigeria Country Director
At a high-level interfaith dialogue in Abuja convened by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria, prominent Christian, Muslim, traditional, and interfaith voices, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan; Sheikh Nurudeen Lemu; Reverend Dr. Stephen Panya Baba, vice chairman of CAN; Sheikh Nuru Khalid; Archbishop Sunday Onuoha; Reverend Father Canice Chinyeaka Enyiaka; Alhaji Attihuru, emir of Bangudu; Alhaji Dr. Ahmadu Aliyu Oga Onawo, emir of Doma, among others, highlighted that leadership from the presidency and National Assembly carries both constitutional and ethical responsibility to protect Nigerian lives and uphold freedom of religion or belief.
In statements delivered through national platforms and dialogues, these religious authorities emphasized the urgent need for tangible strategies that go beyond rhetoric to restore safety and dignity for all Nigerians. They called for strengthened interfaith peace committees, improved early-warning systems, expanded mediation efforts, and comprehensive national peace messaging that targets youth and women, who are key stakeholders in the fabric of Nigerian society. Their communiqués also advocated for establishing national mechanisms on freedom of religion or belief and regular interfaith consultations as part of sustained peacebuilding architecture.
Beyond moral leadership, faith leaders nationally have echoed similar calls for urgent government response amid escalating violence and insecurity that affects millions, regardless of faith or ethnicity. Reports from Nigeria’s news outlets reflect that clerics and community leaders are pressing for more decisive political will and coordinated public safety initiatives to address not only violence but also its socioeconomic drivers, which together threaten the country’s stability. Through solidarity and shared commitment, these leaders are striving to galvanize both state and society toward a more peaceful and secure Nigeria, affirming that unity and collective action are critical to overcoming the multifaceted security challenges facing the nation today.
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