Concerned about the religious undertones of Nigeria’s security challenges, Faith and Freedom Africa (FFA) has renewed calls for respect and protection of every citizen’s right to freedom of religion, as enshrined in Section 38 of the Nigerian Constitution.
Speaking at a one-day colloquium held on Wednesday at Batoha Hotel, Makurdi, FFA Country Coordinator Felix Samari questioned the Nigerian government’s recognition of only Christianity and Islam, lamenting that adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR) are often treated as “second-class citizens.”
“With Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) advocacy, we are not only speaking for Christians and Muslims but also for practitioners of African traditional religions and even atheists,” Samari said. “Every citizen deserves equal respect and the freedom to worship — or not worship — without discrimination.”
Themed Freedom of Religious Beliefs (FoRB), the event brought together religious leaders, activists, and community members to discuss religious tolerance and inclusion.
A participant and atheist, Mr. Terna Sam-Kange, decried discrimination against non-adherents of Christianity and Islam, calling for “a more open-minded Nigeria where religious belief or lack of it does not determine one’s access to opportunities.”
Similarly, Ms. Doosuur Sue, a practitioner of African Traditional Religion, lamented the exclusion of ATR adherents from government recognition and benefits. “We are Nigerians too and should have equal opportunities and privileges like every other citizen,” she said.
FoRB trainer Dr. Longji Dambok criticized the government’s practice of funding only Christian and Muslim pilgrims’ boards, describing it as “discriminatory and unhealthy for national unity.” He called for reorientation and enlightenment campaigns to foster mutual respect and understanding in Nigeria’s culturally diverse society.
The FFA Town Hall Meeting is part of ongoing efforts to promote peace, religious tolerance, and the recognition of constitutional rights in communities across Nigeria.
