More than 50 prominent Christian and Muslim religious leaders have signed a landmark interfaith peace accord in Nigeria’s capital, establishing a permanent joint council to counter religious extremism and curb divisive rhetoric.
The peace pact, signed in Abuja at an international summit co-hosted by the Saudi-based Muslim World League (MWL) and Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS), seeks to build cross-faith harmony across West Africa.
The initiative follows months of heightened international focus on Nigeria’s religious dynamics after US President Donald Trump characterized Nigeria as a “disgraced country” and threatened military action over what he described as the targeted persecution of Christians by “Islamic terrorists.”
Since Trump’s statement, the Nigerian government officials say it has, with faith groups worked continuously to demonstrate tangible progress on security, religious tolerance, and anti-extremism safeguards.
The newly established body sets up binding mechanisms to monitor religious tolerance, combat hate speech from pulpits, and promote education and social cohesion across Nigeria’s 200-million population, which is roughly evenly split between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south.
Addressing delegates in Abuja, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League, Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa, emphasized a shared determination between both faiths to confront radical ideologies.
“We do not deny that extremist ideas have harmed everyone; all have been affected by it,” Dr. Al-Issa said. “There is clear enthusiasm among both faiths to turn a new page and build enduring social harmony.”
Christian and Muslim leaders described the agreement as a vital safeguard ahead of the 2027 general elections, where religious considerations are expected to re-emerge as a major political factor.
Archbishop Dr. John Praise Daniel, Chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders’ Assembly, highlighted the need for restraint among clergy:
“No hate speech, no disrespect for other religious groups, and no calling of people as infidels,” Daniel stated. “This pact is a turning point that will curb divisive rhetoric across our pulpits.”
Sheikh Khalid Abubakar, Secretary-General of the umbrella Islamic group Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), reassured followers that interfaith engagement strengthens national stability without compromising doctrinal integrity:
“It is not a call to leave your own religion, but a cooperation of working together in harmony,” Abubakar explained.
The summit drew high-level political and spiritual delegations to endorse the agreement:
- Mohammad Al-Issa — Secretary-General of the Muslim World League (MWL).
- Archbishop John Praise Daniel — Chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders’ Assembly.
- Sheikh Khalid Abubakar — Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI).
- His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar — The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).
- Senator Barau Jibrin — Deputy Senate President, representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Delivering President Tinubu’s message at the summit, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to protecting constitutional freedoms and national cohesion:
“The government is determined to make sure that we remain united as a country, despite our differences, whatever those differences may be,” Jibrin stated.
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