Why inter-faith trust is crucial to driving national cohesion, devt, by Akume

*Tasks NIREC on dangers of erosion of trust

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, has underscored the importance of inter-faith trust in driving national cohesion.

This is even as he tasked the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) on the implications of the erosion of trust between Nigeria’s major faith groups, saying that it poses one of the gravest threats to the country’s unity.

Akume, in a press statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, made these observations in Abuja on Wednesday at the second triannual meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).

Speaking on the theme, ‘Promoting peace through collaboration: the role of inter-religious councils and government in Nigeria’, Akume said Nigeria is passing through one of its most delicate periods, marked by heightened political rhetoric, internal security strains, and degraded mutual trust that “was almost ebbing into religious conflict” in recent months.

According to him, recent violent incidents from Yelwata in Benue State to Eruku in Kwara, and attacks across Kebbi, Niger, and Zamfara, have deepened public anxiety, even as government intensifies rescue efforts and arrests of criminal elements responsible.

He reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to vigorously delivering on the constitutional mandate of welfare and security for all citizens.

The SGF stressed that while Christian and Muslim communities have both suffered devastating losses from insurgency, banditry, and communal violence, public narratives often wrongly portray the crises as one-sided.

He urged Nigerians to avoid framing violence solely along religious lines, insisting that such narratives deepen suspicion and undermine national cohesion.

His words, “The point is not to engage in a scorecard of pain,” he said, “but to underscore that violence in Nigeria is not monolithic. Both major faith groups bleed when any Nigerian is killed.”

He added that an inter-faith approach to peacebuilding is now “not only ideal but necessary” to restore mutual trust.

The SGF noted that Nigeria’s designation as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. government further underscored the need for stronger domestic engagement to correct global misperceptions. While diplomatic steps have yielded progress, he said much more work must be done in the short and long term.

He praised NIREC’s 26-year partnership with the Federal Government, describing inter-religious councils as “vital bridges” capable of dispelling misconceptions, mediating conflict, and strengthening the social fabric.

Akume assured that the Tinubu’s administration will increase support for the Council, especially as the economy improves under ongoing reforms.

He outlined areas where government and faith leaders must now collaborate more deeply: inclusive policymaking, early-warning systems for conflict, joint peacebuilding efforts, and promoting justice and rule of law.

The SGF also stressed the importance of educating young Nigerians to resist hate propaganda and extremist narratives.

On sovereignty, the SGF emphasised that while Nigeria welcomes international partnerships, “Nigerians must work out Nigerian solutions,” adding that government remains fully committed to protecting every community, regardless of religious affiliation.

Akume revealed that President Tinubu has established a new US–Nigeria Joint Working Group on Security, in which NIREC leaders are expected to play significant roles as part of wider non-kinetic approaches to peace.

He urged NIREC members to use their closed-door session to speak frankly, craft practical solutions, and “reject the voices of division” in favour of justice, compassion, and unity.

“Nigeria will be stronger, better, and enjoy lasting peace if we collectively shame the peddlers of hatred and disunity,” he declared.