More than 50 prominent Muslim and Christian leaders have signed a landmark interfaith peace accord in Abuja, establishing a joint co-ordinating body aimed at promoting religious harmony and countering extremist ideologies across Nigeria.
The agreement comes after a two-day conference organised by the Saudi-based Muslim World League, headed by Secretary-General Mohammad Al-Issa. The gathering brought together key religious figures, including the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders’ Assembly, Archbishop Dr John Praise Daniel.
Addressing the delegates, Mohammad Al-Issa expressed confidence in the commitment of both faiths to move past historical grievances and turn a new page, noting that extremist ideas have caused harm across all communities regardless of religious background.
Under the terms of the pact, religious figures committed to curbing hate speech, discouraging inflammatory sermons, and ending the practice of labelling followers of other faiths as infidels. Religious representatives clarified that the initiative is not an attempt to assimilate different beliefs, but rather a practical framework to foster peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
The accord carries significant political and social weight for Nigeria, whose population of over 200 million is divided roughly equally between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south. Scrutiny over the nation’s internal cohesion heightened following external political pressures, including sharp criticism from United States President Donald Trump regarding the security of religious populations in the country.
While official conference statements made no direct reference to external political commentary, the agreement aligns with ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to demonstrate progress on national security and social cohesion. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who represented President Bola Tinubu at the signing alongside three northern state governors, reaffirmed the administration’s resolve to safeguard national unity ahead of the upcoming 2027 general elections.
–Reuters/ChannelAfrica–
