Until religious minorities—Christians, Muslims, and those who hold other beliefs, including those who do not believe at all—are protected and allowed to live in peace, Nigeria will remain a dangerous place for them. The government must ensure that no one takes the law into their own hands under the guise of defending their religion or belief.
… Felix Samari
By Felix Joseph Samari, Washington DC,
The International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit was an eye-opening experience, providing valuable lessons on the global struggle for religious freedom. As I reflect on my country, Nigeria, I see both the strengths and weaknesses in our approach to religious freedom.
Nigeria is often regarded as an open society regarding religious freedom. After all, Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion or belief (FoRB).
However, the reality on the ground tells a different story. At the summit, it became clear that being a religious minority in Nigeria can be extremely dangerous. Christian minorities face threats, persecution, and attacks, particularly in the northern regions. Muslim minorities in some areas struggle for recognition and equal rights. Apostates and those who leave their religion, even though the Constitution grants them the right to do so, often find their lives in danger. Humanists and traditional faith practitioners are frequently denied recognition as people who possess the same right to FoRB as others.
A powerful message I took from the summit was the need for simple accommodation and understanding. The Nigerian government has a significant role in ensuring the protection of religious minorities. Without a concerted effort to safeguard these communities, the calls for Nigeria’s designation as a country of particular concern may be justifiable.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should take a cue from U.S. President Donald Trump, who is establishing a commission on religious freedom. Nigeria must step up by declaring zero tolerance for violations of FoRB. Anyone found guilty of violating the religious freedom rights of a citizen should be prosecuted and publicly held accountable.
Until religious minorities—Christians, Muslims, and those who hold other beliefs, including those who do not believe at all—are protected and allowed to live in peace, Nigeria will remain a dangerous place for them. The government must ensure that no one takes the law into their own hands under the guise of defending their religion or belief.
Religious minorities should have equal access to medical care, education, and all other social benefits provided by the state. No Nigerian should be granted or denied anything based on their faith or lack thereof. I listened to U.S. Vice President JD Vance during the summit, and I strongly agree with his statement that everyone should be able to worship according to their conscience.
This is precisely what Nigeria needs. Religion cannot be imposed, and no one should be discriminated against because of their faith. No one should force their beliefs on another or deny anyone the space and peace of mind to practice or process their faith freely.
A nation flourishes when freedom extends to all its citizens. A Muslim living in a majority-Christian community should feel safe, and vice versa. One of Nigeria’s most pressing needs is justice, especially justice related to religious freedom. For us advocates of religious freedom in Nigeria, we will not relent. We will continue pushing for absolute protection of religious minorities until we reach a point where no Nigerian is a prisoner of faith or conscience, either at the hands of the state or powerful entities that seem untouchable.
President Tinubu has the opportunity to make history by ensuring Nigeria upholds religious freedom for all. The time to act is now. May God help us.
Samari, is the Country Coordinator of Live What You Believe Project Nigeria, he writes from the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Summit taking place in Washington DC, USA.
