Faith leaders and human rights advocates have warned that Nigeria’s failure to remain neutral in religious matters continues to weaken freedom of religion or belief (FoRB) and fuel violence against people of different faiths.
They raised the concerns during a one-day roundtable organised by the Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) in Abuja. The event focused on the theme, “Building Synergy Among Faith-Based NGOs for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB).”
The gathering brought together religious leaders, legal experts, policy analysts and civil society organisations to discuss growing threats to religious freedom and identify practical solutions.
Among the speakers were Prof. Sam Amadi, former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts; Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam, President and CEO of the Para-Mallam Peace Foundation; human rights lawyer Barr. Joseph Danboyi; and CHAIN Chief Executive Officer, Revd Joseph Hayab.
The speakers agreed that Nigeria’s close relationship with religious interests has made it harder for the government to protect every citizen fairly, regardless of their faith.
They urged the government to strengthen the rule of law, protect the rights of every Nigerian equally and ensure that anyone responsible for religious violence faces justice.
Prof. Sam Amadi said Nigeria cannot achieve genuine freedom of religion or belief unless the government separates itself from religious influence and upholds the Constitution without favour.
“The challenge is that the Nigerian state appears so beholden to religious and political interests that it struggles to protect its citizens impartially. Religion now influences the state, rather than the state remaining autonomous and neutral,” Amadi said.
He said the introduction of religious laws in some parts of Nigeria since 2000 has created constitutional concerns and raised questions about whether all Nigerians enjoy equal protection under the law.
“When a state allows religion to dominate its operations, it risks infringing on the religious freedom of some citizens, whether Christian, Muslim, or atheist,” he added.
Amadi also proposed the creation of a National Council on Freedom of Religion or Belief to investigate violations independently and recommend appropriate action.
“State neutrality means not inhibiting religion but also not enabling it. The state must serve every citizen, irrespective of creed,” he said.
Speaking virtually, Revd Dr Gideon Para-Mallam described the decline in religious freedom in Nigeria and across the world as alarming.
He called on Christians, Muslims and followers of other faiths to speak with one voice against violence committed in the name of religion.
“Killings under the pretext of blasphemy or religious disagreements must be condemned and investigated. Justice must be demanded jointly by Christians, Muslims and other faith communities,” he said.
Para-Mallam also urged faith groups and policymakers to rely on credible data when pushing for reforms.
He said violence has affected people from different religious backgrounds and cited figures showing that between 2019 and 2023, attacks claimed the lives of 16,769 Christians and 6,235 Muslims.
“These figures demand urgent, sincere action from government and faith leaders,” he said.
Human rights lawyer Barr. Joseph Danboyi examined the effect of blasphemy laws on freedom of religion or belief.
He warned that such laws create fear, discourage open discussion and weaken democratic participation.
“Such laws shape how Nigerians think and speak, often leading to self-censorship and fear. This undermines the open discourse that democracy requires,” Danboyi said.
He added that fear of religious backlash also limits academic research and creative expression, slowing intellectual growth and restricting the free exchange of ideas.
In his closing remarks, CHAIN Chief Executive Officer Revd Joseph Hayab said Nigeria must end religious killings if it hopes to rebuild public confidence in government and the justice system.
“If you want to stop anything, stop the killings. When victims and their families see that those who attack others are being prosecuted, confidence in the system will be restored,” he said.
Other participants also urged the government, religious institutions and civil society groups to strengthen justice, equality and peaceful coexistence through stronger institutions and respect for the rights of every citizen.
They agreed that Nigeria will continue to struggle with freedom of religion or belief until the government serves every Nigerian fairly, regardless of religion.
