By Omoyeni Ojeifo
The United Nations has called for stronger protection of freedom of religion and belief in Nigeria (FoRB), saying that the right applies equally to people of all faiths, indigenous spiritual communities, and those who profess no religion.
The position was presented at a press briefing organised by the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja on Friday, where preliminary findings of a UN mission on FoRB were unveiled.
The UN Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Prof. Nazila Ghanea, who conducted the official visit to Nigeria from June 8 to June 19, 2026, including engagements in Kano and Jos, highlighted key observations from the mission.
Ghanea said the visit examined freedom of thought, conscience and religion, and its interaction with other human rights, through engagements with government officials, religious leaders, lawyers, and civil society actors.
“Nigeria is a nation of rich pluralism and diversity. No single narrative can adequately explain the realities of freedom of religion and belief in the country,” she said.
The UN envoy said international human rights standards protect theistic, non-theistic and atheistic beliefs, including the right of individuals not to profess any religion.
“Freedom of religion or belief is a right for everyone. It applies equally to women, girls, children, and all individuals, regardless of their faith, beliefs, or their decision not to profess any religion,” she noted.
Ghanea observed that parallel legal systems in certain contexts have created tensions that require further examination in her final report.
She expressed concern that religion remains a requirement in some official processes, including applications for jobs, schools, and other government procedures.
According to Ghanea, the previous removal of religion fields from Nigerian passports and National Identification Number records was a positive development.
She warned that reducing Nigerians into rigid religious categories of Muslim and Christian communities could undermine individual freedom and deepen discrimination.
“Nobody should be compelled to declare their religion. Individuals should not be required to disclose their faith in administrative or public processes in a manner that could affect equality or freedom of conscience,” she added.
Ghanea said discussions during the visit frequently revealed concerns over insecurity, violence, and conflict, including terrorism, banditry, kidnappings, attacks on places of worship, and mass displacement.
“Victims of grave violations have repeatedly reported killings, destruction of livelihoods, displacement, and lack of justice, and their experiences must not be ignored.”
The UN envoy also raised concerns over attacks on schools, the kidnapping of children, and the increasing reliance on vigilante groups.
“My concern is whether the rise of self-help groups may increase weapons in many hands and increase rather than reduce the overall risk,” she warned.
She acknowledged encouraging initiatives, including community policing efforts, youth peacebuilding programmes, and sustained interfaith dialogue across affected communities.
Ghanea said her final report would further examine issues relating to freedom of expression, non-discrimination, blasphemy laws, hate speech, and criminal sanctions.
She noted that the report, which will be submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council in March 2027, would contain detailed findings and recommendations.
“The discussions with over 200 interlocutors have shown the richness of Nigeria’s civic space and the commitment of many people to the good of all,” she said.
The UN Special Rapporteur expressed confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to advance freedom of thought, conscience and religion, while stressing that significant challenges remain.
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