The Divide

Nigeria, with over 250 ethnicities and various religious sects, continues to face multiple forms of intolerance across different sectors. Several forms of intolerance exist in Nigeria along religious, ethnic, political, or gender lines. Religious intolerance is more prevalent due to the metaphysical aspect of religion, which can be easily exploited and linked to other issues in public life. The country’s dominant religious groups, Christianity, Islam and African traditional religions, have faced persistent cases of religious intolerance amongst themselves. This complex issue, with roots that intertwine with history, politics, and social structures, casts a long shadow over the nation’s aspirations for unity and progress.

The colonial era carved deep religious and cultural divides. The British colonialists, through indirect rule, aligned with the predominantly Muslim north, while Christian missionaries found fertile ground in the south. This fostered a sense of “otherness” and competition between the two regions, which continues to resonate today. The efforts of the two major religious traditions to propagate and market their monotheistic philosophy in public have exacerbated the situation. It is also critical to note that religious intolerance exists in Nigeria on both an interfaith and intra-faith basis. That is, between religious traditions and sects or divisions within a single religion. Therefore, religious intolerance in Nigeria can occur even within the same religions.

Implementing Shari’a law in some northern states in the late 1990s intensified tensions. As Section 10 of the 1999 constitution as amended states, Nigeria is a secular state where freedom of religion is guaranteed. However, in twelve predominantly Muslim states in the country’s north, Islamic law, known as Shari’a, is applied both criminally and religiously, albeit only Muslims are intended to be subject to it. Sharia is not uniform and varies per state, yet blasphemy appears to be a deadly penalty in all of them. While proponents viewed it as a reflection of their faith and cultural values, critics saw it as discriminatory and a violation of the secular state enshrined in the constitution. This legal and ideological friction fuels anxieties and narratives of marginalisation. In a 2003 interview conducted by Human Rights Watch in Kano and Kaduna states, the interviewees, consisting of Muslims, believed that in the rush to implement Shari’a and make a political point, state authorities had ignored certain fundamental principles, particularly the state’s responsibility to the population, as well as the generosity, compassion, and forgiveness that Shari’a advocates for those accused of crimes. It is also important to note that according to Nigeria’s constitution, federal law is superior to state law, including Shari’a. Federal authorities prevent the imposition of cruel Sharia penalties and have overturned Sharia verdicts that violate federal law.

Unscrupulous politicians may exploit religious differences for their gain. Inflammatory rhetoric and the framing of policies along religious lines can easily ignite societal fault lines, leading to violence and social unrest. This cynical use of religion for political ends undermines genuine interfaith dialogue and hinders the fostering of national unity. Poverty and lack of opportunity can also create breeding grounds for resentment and vulnerability to extremist ideologies that exploit religious differences to offer simplistic solutions to complex problems.

Overcoming intolerance in Nigeria, religious or otherwise, requires a concerted effort from every Nigerian. The ethical values within Nigeria’s triple religious heritage—African Traditional Religion, Islam, and Christianity—were meant to form the foundation of the country’s social conduct and national conscience. However, religious intolerance by fanatics has undermined this potential harmony. Nigeria’s diverse religious landscape should foster tolerance, yet the current lack thereof highlights a crucial absence of societal philosophy. If tolerance were prioritised, adherents would better accept the fundamental differences between religions. Education and interfaith dialogue are essential to fostering understanding and empathy between different religious groups. By engaging in open and respectful conversations, even with those holding opposing viewpoints, divides can be bridged to promote understanding. Effective governance prioritising social justice and economic development can address the underlying grievances that fuel religious tensions. Religious leaders have a vital role in promoting tolerance and rejecting extremist narratives. State Governors must continue to uphold Nigeria’s religious diversity and guarantee the rights of every person and group to practise their faith peacefully and unmolested.

Nigerians must pay attention to the seemingly small actions that foster unity among citizens. This emphasises the power of everyday choices and behaviours in shaping a more cohesive society, acknowledging that true unity does not solely depend on grand gestures or government policies. The recent AFCON tournament, though ultimately ending in disappointment for Nigerian fans, served as a powerful unifier for the nation. Despite the country’s religious and ethnic diversity, Nigerians rallied behind the Super Eagles, sharing a common goal and celebrating victories together. This collective experience transcended individual differences, fostering a sense of national pride and unity that resonated across the country.

Nigeria’s journey towards a more inclusive and tolerant society will be long and arduous. However, by acknowledging the historical and multifaceted nature of the problem and by fostering a genuine commitment to interfaith dialogue, understanding, and socio-economic development, the nation can begin to bridge the religious divides that hinder its progress.