The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Saad Abubakar, has restated that Christians cannot be subjected to Sharia law or any court processes designed exclusively for Muslims.
He made this known at the opening of the 2025 triennial meeting of the Nigeria Inter Religious Council in Abuja.
The event, themed “Collaboration of Inter Religious Council with Government to Promote Peace in Nigeria,” brought together top religious and political leaders.
Abubakar explained that Sharia applies only to Muslims and should not be enforced on non Muslims in matters relating to dress or religious practice.
He noted that Nigeria runs a multi religious system in which government supports the growth of both major faiths without adopting any as a national religion.
Reacting to recent comments calling for the abolition of Sharia, the Sultan said Nigerians have the freedom to practise their beliefs without intimidation and cautioned leaders against actions capable of heightening religious tension.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, also addressed participants, calling for stronger collaboration between the council and the Federal Government to tackle insecurity and rising extremism.
He warned that extremists continue to exploit religious divisions to weaken national unity.
Tajudeen commended the council for its peace building efforts and said the House is open to supporting useful recommendations that may arise from the meeting.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, spoke on the damage caused by internal security challenges and waning public trust.
He added that Nigeria also suffers from misrepresentation abroad, often fuelled by inaccurate accounts of its security realities.
Akume assured that government would remain focused on protecting citizens and urged religious and traditional leaders to work more closely to strengthen peace initiatives.
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, described insecurity as a major threat to national coexistence and called for deeper cooperation between government and religious organisations.
He said faith based institutions possess the influence and reach needed to support peace building across communities.
Executive Secretary of the council, Rev Fr Cornelius Omonokhua, stressed the need for coordinated action against terrorism and banditry, insisting that every Nigerian life must be safeguarded.
He called for unity, behavioural change and renewed commitment to shared national values.