Abuja: The Federal Government has commended the efforts of Search for Common Ground, Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), for its significant contributions toward promoting the freedom of religion and belief across the country.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, speaking at the National Close-out of the Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FoRB) project in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, highlighted the project’s substantial impact on Nigeria. Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Omotese Eva, Tunji-Ojo emphasized the NGO’s role in strengthening dialogue, reducing communal tensions, and promoting mutual respect among citizens of different faiths.
He stated, “Through community-based peace architecture, early warning and response systems, support for human rights defenders, and strategic engagement with the media, the project has helped foster trust and cooperation across religious and social divides.” He further acknowledged the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces and stressed the importance of collaboration and credible platforms for dialogue and early response.
In his keynote address, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, appreciated the NGO’s unwavering commitment to supporting Nigeria’s efforts to prevent conflict, counter divisive narratives, and build resilient, inclusive communities. Tuggar, represented by Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), noted that the project complements the Federal Government’s broader efforts to strengthen social cohesion and prevent violent extremism.
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, highlighted the project’s achievements in building the capacity of journalists, civil society organizations, faith leaders, and human rights defenders. Represented by Mr. Halilu Adamu, Director of the Civil and Political Rights Department, NHRC, Ojukwu emphasized the project’s role in improving early warning mechanisms and establishing referral pathways for faith-based conflicts.
Mr. Ronald Sonnemans, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, praised the collaboration with Search for Common Ground, emphasizing the power of diversity to unite and heal while acknowledging its potential misuse. He stressed the project’s role in empowering institutions to address conflicts along religious lines and protect religious freedom.
Karno Quattara, Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Nigeria, thanked the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its support. He noted the project’s achievements, including Nigeria’s first national case management and referral system for FoRB violations and a national toll-free hotline for reporting such violations, which will be handed over to the NHRC.