Nigeria must set aside religious, ethnic and political differences and unite against insecurity, Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris has said.
Speaking on the sidelines of an international conference on diversity and social peace in Abuja, Idris warned that division could deepen the challenges confronting the country.
He urged Nigerians to think beyond their differences and act collectively as one people. “There is no time for differences,” the minister said, stressing that religious and ethnic divisions would only complicate the fight against insecurity.
The conference, organised by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah in partnership with the Muslim World League, brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, diplomats and civil society representatives.
Idris said the diversity of participants reflected a growing understanding that Nigeria’s peace, stability and prosperity depend on cooperation across religious, ethnic and political lines.
He also emphasised that while the event was not organised by the Federal Government, the administration welcomed initiatives that promote interfaith dialogue and national cohesion.
Representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin reaffirmed the government’s commitment to sustainable security, national unity and international cooperation.
Other speakers echoed the call for unity. Muslim World League Secretary-General Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa urged Nigerians not to allow religion, ethnicity or poverty to be weaponised as tools of division.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for sustained dialogue, honesty and stronger efforts to rebuild public trust.
APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda described Nigeria’s diversity as a source of strength, while JIBWIS National Chairman Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau called for closer cooperation among government, religious organisations and communities.
He also advocated greater investment in education and skills development to shield young people from radicalisation and criminal recruitment.
With a population of more than 230 million, Idris said Nigeria’s stability carries consequences far beyond its borders. “Peace and tranquillity here mean peace and tranquillity everywhere in Africa, and indeed, the world,” he said.
The message from the gathering was clear: Nigeria’s future will depend not on uniformity, but on the ability of its diverse people to stand together.
