CAN, NSCIA Launch Interfaith Code to Curb Hate Speech, Religious Violence

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) have launched a new Interfaith Code of Conduct aimed at tackling hate speech, religious violence and growing tensions threatening peaceful coexistence in Nigeria.

The Code was ratified by religious leaders at the conclusion of the eighth General Assembly of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP), held in Abuja under the theme, “Hate Speech and Violence: The Role of State and Non-State Actors in Nation-Building.”

The conference was convened by the IDFP in collaboration with CAN, the NSCIA and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), with support from the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID).

The gathering brought together CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh; NSCIA President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, government officials, religious leaders, peacebuilding experts, civil society representatives, journalists, women and youth groups.

Participants described the Interfaith Code of Conduct as a practical framework for encouraging responsible religious leadership, discouraging inflammatory rhetoric and strengthening national cohesion.

They said the initiative was developed against the backdrop of growing concerns over hate speech, religious intolerance and violence, which continue to threaten peace, democratic development and social stability in parts of the country.

The conference also featured discussions on how the Code could be used to counter harmful narratives, prevent conflict and strengthen collaboration among religious leaders and other stakeholders.

Participants urged faith leaders to move beyond public declarations of peace by integrating the principles of the Code into sermons, community dialogue, media engagements, youth and women programmes, peace education and grassroots initiatives.

Developed through a Nigerian-led interfaith process with support from KAICIID, the Code outlines 10 core values for Christian-Muslim engagement. They include mutual love and respect, protection of the sacred, respect for human dignity, rejection of hate speech, peaceful conflict resolution, justice, integrity, transparency, accountability, respect for lawful authority and compassion.

The framework is also expected to guide journalists, educators, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and public institutions whose actions and communication can influence religious relations and public discourse.

Participants specifically highlighted the responsibility of journalists to report religious matters professionally and avoid sensational or divisive narratives that could heighten tensions or reinforce harmful stereotypes.

Acting Secretary-General of KAICIID, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, described the initiative as an important milestone in Nigeria’s peacebuilding efforts.

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

He added that the Code reinforced the importance of human dignity and shared responsibility in building peaceful communities.

Participants called for the widespread dissemination of the Code across churches, mosques, schools, traditional institutions, media organisations and government agencies.

They also advocated sustained training and grassroots implementation to ensure that the framework becomes an effective tool for preventing conflict, countering hate speech and promoting peaceful coexistence.

The conference ended with a commitment by state and non-state actors to develop a multi-stakeholder action plan for integrating the Code into community engagement, peacebuilding initiatives and institutional processes at the national, state and local levels.