Religious leaders from across Nigeria and West Africa have pledged to strengthen dialogue, peaceful coexistence and cooperation as part of efforts to counter extremist rhetoric and growing social divisions threatening stability in the region.
Under the patronage of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Muslim World League (MWL) launched its Initiative for Social Peace in West Africa at a landmark conference in Abuja, bringing together Muslim and Christian leaders, government officials, parliamentarians and civil society representatives.
The conference, themed “Diversity and Social Peace: Partnership for a Promising Future,” culminated in the adoption of the Abuja Declaration, which outlines measures to promote interfaith cooperation and sustainable peace across the region.
The declaration calls for stronger collaboration among governments, religious institutions and civil society organisations, as well as expanded education, training and media initiatives inspired by the Charter of Makkah.
Participants also agreed to establish a Coordinating Body for Religious and Civil Leaders and Institutions in West Africa to oversee the implementation of the initiative and monitor progress.
Several agreements were signed during the conference to deepen interfaith cooperation, strengthen conflict prevention mechanisms and advance peacebuilding efforts across Nigeria and the wider West African region.
The initiative underscores the growing recognition that religious diversity can serve as a source of unity rather than division when supported by dialogue, mutual respect and cooperation.
With West Africa facing persistent security and social challenges, the Abuja initiative places interfaith partnership and collective action at the centre of efforts to build a more peaceful, stable and inclusive future.
