Abuja: The National Peace Committee (NPC) and the European Union (EU) have made a joint appeal to Nigerians, urging them to prioritize a unified national identity above ethnic, religious, and regional affiliations. They cautioned that the country’s stability could worsen if these persistent divisions continue to overshadow public life.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the call was made during the NPC’s discourse titled ‘Nigeria’s National Identity; Revisiting the Indigene-Settler Question’, held in Abuja. Bishop Matthew Kukah, the Convener of the NPC, highlighted that despite decades of nation-building, Nigeria remains far from fulfilling the aspirations of its founding fathers. He noted that the nation is still burdened by internal conflicts and tensions that threaten national cohesion and impede progress.
Kukah emphasized the importance of adhering to the Nigerian Constitution, which provides a framework for national integration. He pointed out that Section 14 of Chapter 2 requires government composition and conduct to reflect national diversity, preventing the dominance of any single group. Furthermore, Section 15 prohibits discrimination and guarantees freedom of movement and residence for all citizens across the country.
Kukah argued that Nigeria’s divisions have created fractures, stressing that the country cannot prosper solely due to its tribal, religious, or social distinctions. He called for an elevated Nigerian identity that fosters common citizenship, challenging the dominant power of the state rather than one another. He warned that without this focus, Nigerians would continue to suffer the consequences of division and despair.
Reflecting on the origins of the NPC, Kukah explained that it was established in 2014 to provide hope, unity, and reconciliation, and to support a democratic process capable of fostering national cohesion. He expressed concern that ongoing debates over identity reveal how far Nigeria is from achieving a modern society.
Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised the NPC for its contributions to nation-building. He noted that the EU supports dialogue and critical reflection as means to ease societal tensions and develop solutions. Vergos emphasized that nation-building relies on ensuring equal rights for all Nigerians, regardless of origin, ethnicity, or residency, and reiterated the EU’s support for creating an inclusive society based on federal character principles and residency rights.
Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a member of the NPC, acknowledged the progress made in improving elections but noted that the work is ongoing. Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Onaiyekan urged political actors to uphold democratic principles, emphasizing that democracy cannot thrive without credible elections. He called on Nigerians to reject flawed elections and demand better governance, stressing the need for liberation among the 250 million Nigerians who are not politicians.