The Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) has urged the Federal Government to develop a national policy on freedom of religion and belief, ensuring equal protection and opportunity for all faiths to thrive without fear or restriction.
This appeal was made in a communiqué signed by CHAIN’s Chief Executive Officer, Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, and Chairman, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, after a one-day roundtable conference themed ‘Building Synergy Among Faith-Based NGOs for Freedom of Religion or Belief.’
The meeting brought together faith leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives from across Nigeria to discuss ways to strengthen the nation’s commitment to religious freedom as guaranteed by the Constitution.
Participants called on government at all levels to uphold neutrality in religious matters and to safeguard citizens’ rights to practice their faith freely. ‘Nigeria’s unity and peace depend on the government’s ability to guarantee equal protection for every religion and belief system. The state must remain neutral to preserve justice and national cohesion,’ the communiqué stated.
CHAIN observed that when the state promotes or enforces a particular religious doctrine, it loses its neutrality and undermines its moral authority to defend citizens’ rights. The group stressed that freedom of religion and belief is both a constitutional duty and a moral necessity for building an inclusive and peaceful society.
The forum expressed concern about the rising number of violations of citizens’ rights and warned that such actions threaten national unity and Nigeria’s international reputation.
Participants also recommended the creation of a Special Council on Freedom of Religion, made up of credible Nigerians, to monitor, investigate, and prosecute cases of religious discrimination or violence. They further called for stronger judicial independence and accountability mechanisms for law enforcement agencies that fail to act against religiously motivated offenses.
The communiqué emphasized that freedom of religion belongs to everyone, including minority faiths and those with no religious affiliation. It also urged interfaith dialogue, public enlightenment, and the inclusion of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) education in schools to foster respect and understanding from an early age.
‘Freedom of religion or belief safeguards individuals, not religions,’ CHAIN stated. ‘Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division.’
The roundtable, which featured presentations by Prof. Sam Amadi and Barr. Joseph Danboyi, was attended by several faith-based organizations and policy experts. Participants commended CHAIN’s leadership for providing a platform that promotes unity and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The conference ended with a shared commitment to advance tolerance, equity, and respect for human dignity, while encouraging all Nigerians to be ambassadors of peace and defenders of shared humanity.