The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, has emphasized that Sharia law should not be imposed on non-Muslims in Nigeria, reiterating the importance of respecting the country’s multi-religious nature. He made this statement at the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) in Abuja, which brought together key religious and political leaders to discuss promoting peace in Nigeria.
Abubakar stressed that Sharia is strictly for Muslims and should not be applied to non-Muslims in any form, including dress or religious practice. He noted that Nigeria operates as a multi-religious country, where the government supports the growth of both major religions without adopting any as a state religion. The Sultan’s comments come amid recent calls for the abolition of Sharia, which he responded to by urging leaders to avoid actions that could inflame religious tension and emphasizing that Nigerians are free to practice their faith without interference.
The meeting, themed “Collaboration of Inter-Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria,” also featured addresses from other prominent leaders. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, called for stronger collaboration between NIREC and the Federal Government to counter insecurity and rising extremism, warning that extremists continue to exploit religious divisions to undermine national unity. Tajudeen commended NIREC’s efforts in promoting harmony and expressed the House’s readiness to support practical recommendations emerging from the meeting.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, highlighted the impact of internal security challenges and declining public trust, as well as the misrepresentation of Nigeria abroad due to distorted narratives about its security situation. Akume assured that the government would continue to prioritize citizens’ safety, urging religious and traditional leaders to work together to strengthen peace efforts.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described insecurity as a major threat to Nigeria’s coexistence, calling for deeper cooperation between the government and faith-based organizations. NIREC Executive Secretary, Rev. Fr. Cornelius Omonokhua, stressed the need for coordinated action against terrorism and banditry, emphasizing that every Nigerian life must be protected and calling for national unity, behavioral change, and renewed commitment to shared values. The meeting underscores the importance of inter-religious collaboration and government support in promoting peace and security in Nigeria.
