Religious Freedom: CHAIN calls for national policy to deepen unity, justice

From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Christian Awareness Initiative of Nigeria (CHAIN) has called on the Federal Government to adopt a national policy on freedom of religion and belief that guarantees equal protection and opportunity for all faiths to thrive without fear or restriction.
The call was contained in a communiqué signed by CHAIN’s Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Rev. (Dr.) Joseph John Hayab, and Chairman, Rev. Yunusa Nmadu Jnr, at the end of a one-day roundtable conference held with the theme: “Building Synergy Among Faith-Based NGOs for Freedom of Religion or Belief.”
The conference brought together faith leaders, human rights advocates, and civil society actors from across the country to deliberate on how to strengthen Nigeria’s commitment to religious freedom as enshrined in the Constitution.
Participants urged government at all levels to maintain strict neutrality on religious matters and ensure that citizens are free to practice their faith 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 in order to preserve justice and national cohesion,” the communiqué stated.
CHAIN observed that when a state enforces or promotes a particular religious doctrine, it loses its neutrality and weakens its moral authority to defend citizens’ rights. The organization noted that freedom of religion and belief is not only a constitutional obligation but also a moral imperative for building an inclusive and peaceful nation.
The forum expressed concern over growing violations of citizens’ rights, warning that such practices threaten Nigeria’s unity and global reputation.
Participants also advocated for the establishment of a Special Council on Freedom of Religion, composed of credible Nigerians, to monitor, investigate, and prosecute violations of religious freedom.