By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) has called on the Federal Government to introduce a National Policy on Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) that ensures equal protection and opportunity for all faiths to thrive freely and without fear.
The call was made in a communiqué jointly signed by Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, CHAIN’s Chief Executive Officer, and Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, the Chairman, at the end of a one-day roundtable conference themed “Building Synergy Among Faith-Based NGOs for Freedom of Religion or Belief.”
The event, held in Kaduna, brought together faith leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society actors from across Nigeria to deliberate on ways to strengthen the nation’s constitutional commitment to religious freedom and equality.
According to the communiqué, participants urged governments at all levels to maintain strict neutrality in religious matters and to guarantee that citizens can freely practice their faiths without intimidation or discrimination.
“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 noted that when a government promotes or enforces a particular religious doctrine, it loses its neutrality and moral authority to defend the rights of its citizens. It emphasized that freedom of religion and belief is not only a constitutional obligation but also a moral imperative for building a peaceful and inclusive society.
The organization expressed concern over the increasing violations of citizens’ religious rights, warning that such practices undermine Nigeria’s unity and global image. It called for the establishment of a Special Council on Freedom of Religion, composed of credible Nigerians, to monitor, investigate, and prosecute violations of religious freedom.
CHAIN further urged the government to strengthen judicial independence and hold law enforcement agencies accountable for failing to prevent or punish religiously motivated violence.
Highlighting that FoRB protects individuals and not religions, the communiqué stated that every citizen—including those of minority beliefs or no faith at all—deserves protection under the law. It also advocated for interfaith dialogue, public enlightenment, and the inclusion of FoRB education in school curricula to promote tolerance and mutual understanding from an early age.
“Freedom of religion or belief safeguards individuals, not religions. Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division,” CHAIN emphasized.
The roundtable, attended by prominent faith-based organizations and policy experts, featured Prof. Sam Amadi and Barr. Joseph Danboyi, whose presentations were widely commended for their insights. Participants praised CHAIN’s leadership for creating a platform that promotes justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.
The conference concluded with a renewed commitment to advancing equity, respect, and human dignity, urging Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace and defenders of the nation’s shared humanity.
It will be recalled that a U.S. Congressman recently called for Nigeria to be placed under special concern due to alleged violations of Christian religious rights in the country.
