Inter-Religious Dialogue in Nigeria: Problems and Necessities

Abstract:

Inter-religious dialogue has gained prominence in Nigeria against the milieu of cultural and religious plurality as well as several other issues of violence, vandalism, killings and majorly the disruption of peaceful co-existence of the numerous ethnic groups in the country. The complication of diverse faith, beliefs, traditions, culture, language and mainly the threat of religious fundamentalism and extremism, thus brought about many ugly flashpoints and situations in many areas across Nigeria. This study seeks to unearth the significance and need for commitment of the various stakeholders towards addressing the challenges occasioned by this plurality of religious faiths in terms of the efforts required from religious organizations, traditional institutions, government and non-governmental organizations including Christian organizations and Muslim groups. Since religion plays a great role in the politics, social and security of lives of Nigerians as a nation, there can therefore be no sustainable peace among people of this great nation without constant dialogue among them, hence the necessity for this study. This work employed the use of primary and secondary sources in gathering of information. The paper identified a lot of challenges and issues bothering on intolerance, existing conflict of interest, injustice, inequity, superiority of one religious group over the other, while advocating for the removal of entrenched misconceptions and hatred. The paper encouraged for more understanding, mutuality and peaceful co-existence.