Interfaith Dialogue Forum Launches Code of Conduct to Combat Hate Speech, Promote National Unity

The Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) has launched an Interfaith Code of Conduct aimed at tackling hate speech, promoting responsible communication, and strengthening peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

The initiative was unveiled during the Forum’s 8th General Assembly Peace Conference held in Abuja on Wednesday, where religious leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, diplomats, civil society organisations, development partners and media practitioners deliberated on strategies to curb hate speech and prevent violent conflict.

The conference was themed “Hate Speech and Violence: The Role of State and Non-State Actors in Nation Building.”

Speaking at the event, the Co-Chairs of the IDFP, Dr. Yusuf Yakubu Arrigasiyu and Rev. Abainitus Akila Hamman Jr., warned that reckless statements made in places of worship, political gatherings, community meetings or on social media could spread rapidly and trigger long-term consequences capable of threatening national peace and unity.

Represented by Rev. Hamman, Dr. Arrigasiyu said Nigeria’s growing insecurity, ethnic mistrust, misinformation, violent extremism and political tensions underscored the need for sustained dialogue and collective action.

“Hate speech is not merely a problem of language; it can become a weapon that creates suspicion, dehumanises people and mobilises communities against one another,” he said.

He added that while government has the constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, enforce the rule of law and ensure justice, every Nigerian also has a duty to reject hate speech and promote peaceful coexistence.

“The fight against hate speech is a responsibility that belongs to all of us. The State must protect citizens, but individuals, religious institutions and communities must also commit themselves to responsible communication and respect for one another,” he stated.

Stakeholders at the conference urged religious leaders to consistently preach messages of peace and tolerance from churches and mosques, while calling on traditional rulers to strengthen community cohesion and promote dialogue at the grassroots.

They also challenged journalists and social media users to uphold ethical standards by verifying information before publication and resisting the spread of false or inflammatory content capable of inciting violence.

The Forum further advocated greater investment in young people, urging government and development partners to empower them as ambassadors of peace rather than allowing them to become instruments of violence and division.

Participants stressed that preventing conflict before it erupts remains more effective and less costly than responding after violence has occurred. They noted that sustainable peacebuilding requires trained personnel, public awareness, technology, strong institutional networks, adequate funding and long-term partnerships.

The organisers expressed appreciation to both local and international partners, particularly the King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz International Centre for Interreligious and Intercultural Dialogue (KAICIID), for providing technical support, mentorship and capacity-building programmes that have strengthened interfaith dialogue initiatives in Nigeria.

Highlighting the significance of the newly launched Interfaith Code of Conduct, the IDFP leadership described it as a landmark commitment to responsible religious leadership, mutual respect and peaceful communication.

According to the Forum, the Code commits religious leaders and stakeholders to reject hate speech, incitement and violence while promoting dialogue, tolerance and national unity.

“The Code of Conduct must not remain a document on a shelf. It must become a living commitment that influences our words, guides our actions and shapes our leadership. It should help create a culture where disagreement does not automatically lead to hatred and where differences do not result in conflict,” the Forum stated.

The organisers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting peace across Nigeria, urging participants to take the message of dialogue to churches, mosques, schools, communities, public institutions and online platforms.

They maintained that although the country’s numerous challenges cannot be solved in a single day, sustained dialogue, forgiveness, responsible leadership and collective action can prevent conflicts, save lives and transform Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength rather than division.

The conference ended with a renewed call on all Nigerians to embrace peaceful communication, reject hate speech and work together toward building a united, secure and prosperous nation.