The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had strengthened intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and military operations, resulting in gains against terrorist and criminal networks
By Mmesoma Onwuka
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the Federal Government remains open to working with faith-based organisations to promote national development, peace and social cohesion.
Idris made this known on Wednesday, September 9, 2026, while delivering a keynote address at the grand finale of the 2026 Synod of the Charismatic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) and the International Communion of Charismatic Archbishops, Bishops and Apostles (ICCABA), held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.
The minister called on religious leaders across the country to use their influence to promote peace, responsible citizenship, religious tolerance and national unity, particularly as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.
He said Nigeria’s diversity in religion, ethnicity, language and political interests required responsible leadership from all sectors of society to preserve the country’s unity.
Idris reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to protecting religious freedom, stressing that the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He said no Nigerian should be attacked or discriminated against because of their faith, while cautioning against attempts to portray the country’s security challenges as a religious war.
According to him, terrorists and criminal groups have attacked Nigerians from different religious and ethnic backgrounds, making it important for citizens and religious leaders to avoid narratives capable of deepening divisions.
The minister said the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had strengthened intelligence gathering, inter-agency cooperation and military operations, resulting in gains against terrorist and criminal networks.
He added that Nigeria’s international security partnerships had also expanded, particularly with the United States and other friendly nations, covering intelligence sharing, counter-terrorism, training, defence and border security.
On the 2027 elections, Idris acknowledged the right of Nigerians, including religious leaders, to support political parties or candidates of their choice.
He, however, urged religious leaders to distinguish political disagreements from religious hostility and to discourage attempts to create divisions between Christians and Muslims, as well as between different ethnic and regional groups.
He advised Nigerians to assess candidates based on their records and programmes, vote according to their conscience and accept legitimate electoral outcomes.
Idris also urged religious organisations to intensify their contributions to education, healthcare, humanitarian assistance, youth development, skills acquisition and community service.
He said the government was willing to collaborate with faith-based organisations in expanding such initiatives and creating greater opportunities for Nigerians, especially young people.
The minister highlighted several Federal Government programmes, including the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), 3 Million Technical Talent programme (3MTT), Nigeria Youth Investment Fund (NYIF), National Youth Talent Export Programme (NATEP), Skill Up Artisans Programme (SUPA) and Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE).
He said such initiatives were designed to provide Nigerians with skills, financing and opportunities to become more productive.
Idris further urged religious leaders to help combat misinformation, hate speech, radicalisation and intolerance, noting that their pulpits and communication platforms could either promote peace or inflame tensions.
He stressed that national orientation could not be achieved by government alone, but required the collective efforts of families, schools, traditional institutions, religious organisations, the media, civil society and citizens.
The minister called on Nigerians to protect national unity and avoid statements capable of creating fear and hatred, stressing that political contests and disagreements were part of democracy.
He said building a peaceful, secure and prosperous Nigeria was a shared responsibility and urged religious leaders to continue using their influence to strengthen social cohesion and give young Nigerians reasons to believe in the country.