The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has reaffirmed that Sharia law applies exclusively to Muslims and should never be imposed on Christians or followers of other religions in Nigeria.
Speaking on Wednesday at the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), the Sultan emphasized the importance of religious coexistence in the country.
The event, held in Abuja, carried the theme: “Collaboration of Inter-Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria.”
The Sultan highlighted Nigeria’s multi-religious identity, clarifying that the nation has not adopted Islam or Christianity as a state religion. “Nigeria is a diverse country in faith.
Government policies are designed to support all major religions equally,” he said, stressing that Sharia is strictly for Muslims and should not dictate how non-Muslims pray or dress.
In response to recent debates on Sharia’s role in the country, Alhaji Abubakar called for a correct understanding of religious freedom, warning against misrepresenting the practice of faith in Nigeria.
Lawmakers Advocate Stronger Church-Muslim Cooperation for Peace
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, echoed the Sultan’s call for unity, highlighting the critical need for collaboration between NIREC and the federal government to address the nation’s escalating insecurity.
He noted that extremist groups often exploit religious divisions to destabilize Nigeria, emphasizing the importance of challenging stereotypes and correcting false narratives about inter-religious conflict.
“This meeting is a symbol of our collective commitment to peace,” Abbas said, assuring NIREC of legislative support for initiatives aimed at strengthening national cohesion.
Government Warns Against External Pressure, False Narratives
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), also addressed the gathering, pointing to the country’s ongoing security challenges, which he said have been worsened by political rhetoric and dwindling trust among citizens.
Akume warned against succumbing to external pressures or misleading portrayals of Nigeria’s situation, emphasizing that the nation’s sovereignty and unity are non-negotiable.
He urged religious and traditional leaders to take active roles in promoting peace through community engagement and strategic collaboration.
Faith-Based Organizations as Pillars of National Peace
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), described Nigeria as being at a pivotal moment, where insecurity threatens social cohesion.
He highlighted the influential role of faith-based organizations in fostering stability and called for enhanced collaboration with government agencies like NIREC to drive dialogue, community mobilization, and reconciliation.
Similarly, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, Executive Secretary of NIREC, emphasized the critical role religious leaders play in combating terrorism and banditry. “Every human life is sacred,” he said, urging leaders to join forces in protecting citizens and fostering a culture of peace.
Also Read: 2026 SSCE Controversy: Senate Demands Answers from Education Ministry and WAEC
Fr. Omonokhua concluded with a call for divine guidance for the nation’s leaders, transformation for offenders, and a broad societal shift toward positive values and ethical reorientation.
