Christian leaders in northern Nigeria have urged the government to take religious freedom more seriously, warning that the current state of affairs poses long-term risks to national unity and development.
Rev. Joseph John Hayab, Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the northern region, shared these concerns during a recent meeting of the National Christian Leaders Forum focused on freedom of religion or belief.
He noted that Nigeria’s religious landscape, largely shaped by Christianity and Islam, requires a balanced approach that ensures all citizens are treated equally, regardless of their faith. According to Hayab, when any group faces exclusion or hostility based on religion, it weakens the social trust needed for a stable and peaceful society.
Drawing attention to attacks from armed groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, Hayab also mentioned structural challenges in some states that limit the freedom of worship for Christians. He explained that while the Christian faith has endured hardship throughout history, the personal and national costs of ongoing discrimination should not be overlooked.
“Freedom of religion is more than a legal right. It is necessary for building a society where trust and cooperation can grow,” he said.
Hayab stressed that creating space for all religious communities to practice their beliefs openly is not only a matter of fairness but also contributes to long-term national progress. He called on government institutions to ensure that policies and practices do not favor one religion over another.
In addition, he appealed to international faith groups and humanitarian organizations to continue standing in support of communities affected by religious restrictions or violence. He acknowledged that this global support has helped many believers in Nigeria stay hopeful and resilient.
Hayab concluded by saying that safeguarding religious freedom is key to the future of peaceful coexistence in the country. In his view, nations that respect and protect this freedom are more likely to experience unity and sustainable development.
