Vatican city: Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Nigeria, delivered a compelling address at the Augustinianum Hall, expressing his concerns over the potential designation of Nigeria as a country of concern for religious freedom. Speaking at the launch of the ACIN 2025 World Report on Religious Freedom in the World, the bishop provided a nuanced view of the religious tensions and violence gripping Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the report revealed a significant decline in religious freedom worldwide, with over 5.4 billion people living in countries lacking this fundamental human right. The report, spanning 1248 pages, highlighted that religious persecution was driven by authoritarianism, religious extremism, ethno-religious nationalism, and organized crime. Although Nigeria faces severe security challenges, Bishop Kukah argued that these issues should not lead to its designation as a country of concern.
For over 15 years, Nigeria has been plagued by violence from jihadist groups, including Boko Haram, which have targeted Christians and Muslims alike. Bishop Kukah noted that these groups have turned large parts of the country into killing fields, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement. Despite these challenges, he emphasized the importance of accurate language when describing the situation, warning against simplistic narratives that might not capture the complexity of the issue.
Bishop Kukah highlighted examples of interfaith collaboration and coexistence in Nigeria, pointing out that in Sokoto, where he resides, Muslims and Christians have worked together on various initiatives. He argued that the country is not witnessing outright persecution based on religious identity but rather a failure of governance that has allowed violence to escalate. The bishop criticized past policies that favored particular religious and regional groups, exacerbating tensions and undermining national unity.
Despite Nigeria’s ongoing struggles, Bishop Kukah expressed hope for improved religious relations under the current administration. He pointed to confidence-building measures, such as the inclusion of Christians in key government positions, as steps toward restoring harmony. However, he acknowledged that religious freedom remains under threat, especially in northern states where legal discrimination against Christians persists.
The bishop appealed against the re-designation of Nigeria as a country of concern, arguing that such a move would hinder dialogue and efforts to resolve religious tensions. Instead, he called for vigilance from organizations like ACIN and civil society groups to press for change and end impunity. He also criticized past international policies that obstructed Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
In a broader context, Bishop Kukah expressed optimism about the potential for religious leaders to foster national harmony and integration. He urged support for Nigeria’s efforts to combat religious extremism and emphasized the importance of addressing concerns raised in the report. Bishop Kukah concluded by calling for global cooperation to promote peace and religious freedom, suggesting that Nigeria could play a vital role in this quest if supported appropriately.