“Dialogue Is Courage, Not Weakness” — CAN, Islamic Council Unveil Interfaith Code to Combat Hate Speech and Strengthen National Unity

Nigeria’s two foremost religious bodies, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), have jointly endorsed a landmark Interfaith Code of Conduct (ICoC), urging Nigerians to embrace dialogue, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as essential tools for national unity and sustainable development.

The endorsement was announced on Thursday during the Abuja Peace Conference, held as part of the 8th General Assembly of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP). The gathering, themed “Hate Speech and Violence: The Role of State and Non-State Actors in Nation-Building,” brought together religious leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, journalists, civil society organisations, women and youth groups, as well as peacebuilding experts from across the country.

Addressing journalists after the conference, the Forum’s Co-Chairmen, Rev. Abainatus Akila Hamman and Ameer Muhammad Jameel Muhammad, described the newly launched Code as a practical roadmap for addressing religious tensions, curbing hate speech and fostering stronger national cohesion.

According to them, the document was developed through a Nigerian-led interfaith initiative in partnership with the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID) to respond to growing religious, ethnic, political and social divisions affecting communities across the country.

They explained that the Code establishes a common values-based framework for Christian and Muslim leaders, providing clear guidance on responsible religious leadership, peaceful engagement and conflict prevention.

“The Interfaith Code of Conduct is more than a statement of intent. It is a practical guide designed to shape sermons, public statements, media interactions and responses to conflicts, while encouraging constructive engagement among people of different faiths and backgrounds,” the co-chairmen said.

The religious leaders noted that the Code outlines ten key principles expected to guide interfaith relations and public conduct. These include mutual love and respect, protection of sacred values, respect for human dignity, prevention of hate speech and blasphemy, peaceful conflict resolution, justice, integrity, transparency, accountability, respect for lawful authority, compassion and empathy.

They stressed that religious leaders would be encouraged to adopt the Code in their preaching, public engagements and peacebuilding activities, while journalists, educators, civil society organisations and government institutions would also be expected to use it as a reference point in promoting responsible communication on sensitive religious matters.

As part of efforts to ensure its effectiveness, the co-chairmen called for the widespread distribution of the document across churches, mosques, schools, traditional institutions, media organisations and government agencies nationwide.

They further pledged support for follow-up training programmes, grassroots implementation initiatives and continuous engagement aimed at translating the Code’s principles into tangible actions capable of promoting lasting peace.

The conference, organised in collaboration with CAN, NSCIA and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), with support from KAICIID, also featured extensive discussions on Nigeria’s current security and social challenges.

Advertisement

Participants highlighted the growing dangers posed by hate speech, misinformation and violent rhetoric, insisting that stronger collaboration between state and non-state actors is necessary to address the root causes of conflict and prevent further divisions.

Stakeholders at the event agreed that the Interfaith Code of Conduct should be integrated into community dialogue platforms, youth and women empowerment initiatives, peace education programmes and public communication campaigns to strengthen conflict prevention efforts at the grassroots level.

Speaking during the event, Acting Secretary-General of KAICIID, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, described the unveiling of the Code as a major milestone in Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts.

Ribeiro praised Nigerian religious leaders for their commitment to dialogue and cooperation, noting that KAICIID has worked alongside the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace since its establishment in 2015.

“For us at KAICIID, this moment is deeply meaningful. Since the establishment of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace in 2015, we have been privileged to accompany Nigerian religious leaders as they continue to demonstrate that dialogue is courage,” he said.

He added that the Code reflects a shared commitment to human dignity and mutual respect, regardless of religious differences.

“This Code speaks to the heart of our shared humanity. It reminds us that every person carries dignity,” Ribeiro stated.

The endorsement of the Interfaith Code of Conduct is being viewed by stakeholders as a significant step toward strengthening trust among religious communities and creating a united front against hate speech, intolerance and violence in Nigeria’s increasingly diverse society.