CHAIN Calls on Nigerian Government to Create Special Council for Religious Freedom

Table of Contents

1. Call to Action
2. Communiqué Details
3. Forum Details
4. Government Neutrality
5. Freedom of Religion
6. Judicial Accountability
7. Education Initiatives
8. Conference Acknowledgment

The Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) has called on the Federal Government to create a Special Council on Freedom of Religion to oversee, investigate, and take action against violations of citizens’ religious rights throughout the nation.

This request was articulated in a communiqué co-signed by CHAIN’s Chief Executive Officer, Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, and Chairman, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, following a one-day roundtable conference titled “Building Synergy Among Faith-Based NGOs for Freedom of Religion or Belief,” which took place in Kaduna.

The gathering, which united faith leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives, highlighted the necessity for a national policy on freedom of religion and belief to guarantee equal protection and opportunities for all faiths to flourish without fear or limitations.

CHAIN urged governments at all levels to uphold neutrality in religious matters, cautioning that any form of bias or favoritism towards a single religion undermines the state’s moral authority to safeguard citizens’ rights and jeopardizes national unity.

The communiqué stated: “Nigeria’s peace and stability hinge on the government’s capacity to provide equal protection for every religion and belief system. The state must remain impartial to uphold justice and national solidarity.”

The statement further emphasized that enforcing or endorsing a particular doctrine is in direct conflict with constitutional guarantees, asserting that freedom of religion or belief is both a constitutional and moral imperative for fostering an inclusive and peaceful society.

Participants also advocated for enhanced judicial independence and increased accountability among law enforcement agencies in addressing cases of religiously motivated violence.

They recommended the incorporation of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) education into school curricula to promote interfaith understanding and tolerance from an early age.

“Freedom of religion or belief protects individuals, not religions,” CHAIN asserted. “Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division.”

The conference, which was attended by prominent faith-based organizations and policy experts, recognized Prof. Sam Amadi and Barr. Joseph Danboyi for their enlightening presentations, and commended CHAIN’s leadership for fostering unity in the pursuit of justice, equality, and peaceful coexistence.