In a move aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and addressing religious tensions across the country, the House of Representatives, in collaboration with the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), has organized a Legislative Roundtable on Interfaith Dialogue in Abuja.
The high-level event brought together religious leaders from various faiths, federal lawmakers, representatives of civil society organizations, and peacebuilding stakeholders to engage in constructive conversations centered on promoting national unity through dialogue and mutual respect.
Speaking during the roundtable, Chairman of the House Committee on Peacebuilding and Social Cohesion, Hon. Sadiq Abbas Tafida who represents the good people of Jalingo, Yorro and Zing Federal Constituency, described the initiative as timely and necessary, especially in light of the rising incidents of religiously-motivated conflicts in several parts of Nigeria.
“With tensions often fueled by religious misunderstandings, the time to act is now,” Hon. Tafida declared. “Peace cannot be wished into existence — it must be built with intention, with dialogue, and with a shared commitment to tolerance and empathy.”
The lawmaker also called on the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) to take a more proactive role in grassroots engagement, emphasizing that national peace must be built from the bottom up. Additionally, he urged journalists and media platforms to act as agents of peace, reporting in ways that foster unity rather than division.
“Our diversity should be our strength, not our weakness. We must empower our communities to build bridges across religious lines, and that begins with trust, dialogue, and empathy,” Hon. Tafida added.
Participants at the roundtable, including notable clerics from both Islamic and Christian faiths, expressed strong support for the initiative and committed to strengthening interfaith collaboration in their respective communities. They agreed that sustained and inclusive dialogue remains the most effective path to building a united and stable Nigeria.
The Legislative Roundtable on Interfaith Dialogue marks a significant step in institutionalizing peacebuilding efforts within the legislative framework. It also highlights the growing recognition that religion, when harnessed for good, can be a force for national cohesion, healing, and development.
As the event came to a close, organizers expressed optimism that the resolutions adopted would not only shape future legislation but also inspire a culture of interfaith respect and partnership across Nigeria.
