Full Breakdown
Interfaith Leaders Sign Accord to Promote Religious Harmony in Nigeria
8/14/2026, 9:32:50 AM
Core Event
More than 50 Muslim and Christian leaders gathered in Abuja to sign an interfaith peace accord and launch a new body aimed at fostering religious harmony across Nigeria. The signing took place during a high-level meeting titled “Religion and Building Social Harmony” at an international conference on diversity and social peace organized by the Muslim World League, an Islamic non-governmental organization based in Saudi Arabia. Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin attended on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, and three northern state governors were also present.
Background and Context
Nigeria’s population of over 200 million is roughly split between a predominantly Muslim north and a largely Christian south, with additional traditional-religion communities. Islamist insurgents such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province have operated for more than 15 years, causing thousands of deaths, primarily in the Muslim-majority northeast. In the preceding November, U.S. President Donald Trump labeled Nigeria a “disgraced country” and threatened military action over alleged mistreatment of Christians by “Islamic terrorists,” heightening attention on the nation’s religious divide.
Key Figures
- Archbishop Dr John Praise Daniel – Chairman of the Northern Christian Religious Leaders’ Assembly; advocated for an end to hate speech and the labeling of others as infidels.
- Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar – Sultan of Sokoto; participated in the high-level meeting.
- Mohammad Al-Issa – Secretary-General of the Muslim World League; expressed enthusiasm for the accord.
- Khalid Abubakar – Secretary-General of Jama’atu Nasri Islam; emphasized cooperation without abandoning faith.
Official Statements & Responses
Mohammad Al-Issa said the two faiths were eager to “turn a new page.” The government and various groups have highlighted the accord as evidence of progress on security following Trump’s remarks.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is not a call to leave your own religion, but a cooperation of working together in harmony.” — Khalid Abubakar, secretary-general of Jama'atu Nasri Islam
