Nigeria’s security challenges have become too grave, and their consequences too widespread, for the country to continue allowing religious, ethnic, and political differences to define its response to them. This is why the call by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, for Nigerians to unite against insecurity deserves strong support. The message delivered at the International Conference on “Diversity and Social Peace: A Partnership for a Promising Future” in Abuja this week came at an appropriate time. 

Organised by the Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’ah Wa Iqamatus Sunnah (JIBWIS) in partnership with the Muslim World League, the conference brought together government officials, religious and traditional leaders, political actors, and other stakeholders. Its diversity demonstrated that Nigeria’s differences need not be a source of weakness; properly managed, they can become a source of strength.

The minister was right to insist that Nigerians must “think as Nigerians” and work together irrespective of their differences. Insecurity does not discriminate on the basis of faith, ethnicity or political affiliation. Terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminals threaten citizens and communities regardless of their religion or political preference. Allowing such differences to shape the national response therefore risks worsening an already difficult security situation.

Equally important was the intervention of Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, Secretary-General of the Muslim World League and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars. His appeal to Nigerians to protect their shared humanity and reject attempts to weaponise religion, ethnicity, and poverty deserves wider attention. Religion should be a source of moral guidance, compassion, and reconciliation, not an instrument for deepening divisions.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, also struck the right chord by calling for sustained dialogue, honesty, trust, and stronger implementation of solutions to the nation’s problems. Dialogue is indispensable in a country as complex as Nigeria, but it must produce action. Conferences and declarations will have limited value if their recommendations are not translated into policies that improve security, justice, education, and livelihoods.

The position of JIBWIS National Chairman, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, that government, religious organisations, and communities must collaborate more closely is equally compelling. His emphasis on education and skills development is particularly important because young people deprived of opportunities can become vulnerable to radicalisation and criminal recruitment.

The participation of senior government officials, state governors, political leaders, religious authorities, and traditional institutions also reinforced an important message: national security cannot be the responsibility of government alone. Citizens and communities have vital roles to play in building trust, rejecting hate, and supporting efforts to defeat insecurity.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to peaceful coexistence and international cooperation, as conveyed at the conference, should be matched by sustained practical action. Nigeria’s size and influence mean that its stability matters not only to Nigerians but to the wider West African region.

The central message from Abuja is simple: Nigeria cannot defeat insecurity while allowing division to defeat Nigerians first. Unity is not merely a political slogan; it is a national security imperative. The country must therefore build bridges across religious, ethnic, and political divides and confront its challenges as one people, united by a common destiny.