FG reaffirms commitment to interfaith harmony, national cohesion, security

THE Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to initiatives aimed at strengthening interfaith harmony, promoting social justice and enhancing national security.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated this at the 2026 National Conference on Faith, Security and National Cohesion organised by Al-Bayan Interfaith Centre (ABIC) in conjunction with the National Orientation Agency (NOA).

Speaking at the event themed ‘Truth, Justice and Peace: Interfaith Reflection on Faith Narratives, Conflict and National Healing in Nigeria’, the SGF, who was represented by the Director, Special Duties, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Alhaji Bashir Musa, said sustainable peace cannot be achieved through policy alone, but must be nurtured through dialogue and collective responsibility.

While commending the organisers for convening a conference that promotes dialogue, understanding and cooperation among Nigeria’s diverse faith communities, the SGF noted that dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools for peacebuilding and national cohesion.

“The theme of this conference, centred on faith, security and national cohesion, is both timely and profoundly relevant. It calls us to reflect on the role of moral leadership, shared values and mutual respect in addressing the complex security challenges confronting our nation. It also underscores the necessity of collaboration between government, religious institutions and civil society in building a more secure and united Nigeria.

READ ALSO: FG’s failure to service 2024 capital projects worrisome — Centre

“On behalf of the SGF, I wish to reaffirm the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to initiatives that strengthen interfaith harmony, promote social justice and enhance national security.

“We recognise that sustainable peace cannot be achieved through policy alone; it must be nurtured through trust, dialogue and collective responsibility,” Alhaji Musa stated.

Also speaking, the national coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), Major General Adamu Garba Luka, represented by the Director, Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Ambassador Abimbola Wonosikou, said truth, justice and peace remain the three core pillars of society, warning that without them, society risks becoming corrupt and bankrupt.

He noted that faith-based dialogue remains critical to national cohesion and development and called on religious leaders to leverage their theological credibility to challenge and dismantle extremist interpretations of religion used to justify violence.

General Luka added that such dialogue also plays a vital role in national healing.

The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC), Reverend Father Cornelius Omonokhua; Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Mohammed Haroun Eze; and the Archbishop of the African Church in Abuja, Peter Ogunmuyiwa, in their separate presentations, said truth and justice not only uplift a nation but also remain the cornerstone of meaningful peace that promotes understanding, tolerance and social cohesion.

They urged Muslims and Christians to unite around a common purpose that will advance the development of the country.

In his remarks, the Founder/National Executive Director of ABIC, Imam Muhammad Jubrin Ndagi, said Nigeria’s diversity remains its strength and must be harnessed through genuine interfaith dialogue and mutual respect.

He added that dialogue, understanding and collaboration are essential tools for overcoming division and fostering unity among Nigerians.