The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) on Thursday endorsed the Interfaith Code of Conduct (ICoC), calling on Nigerians to embrace dialogue as a pathway to lasting peace, national unity and sustainable development.

The endorsement came at the Abuja Peace Conference, held as part of the 8th General Assembly of the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace (IDFP) with the theme, “Hate Speech and Violence: The Role of State and Non-State Actors in Nation-Building.”

Addressing a press briefing in Abuja the Co-Chairmen of the Forum, Rev. Abainatus Akila Hamman and Ameer Muhammad Jameel Muhammad, said the newly launched Interfaith Code of Conduct provides a practical framework for promoting peaceful coexistence, preventing hate speech and strengthening national cohesion.

The organisers said the Code would now serve as a reference document for religious leaders in their preaching, public engagement and peacebuilding activities, while also guiding journalists, educators, civil society organisations and government institutions in promoting responsible communication on religious issues.

They called for the widespread dissemination of the document across churches, mosques, schools, traditional institutions, media organisations and relevant government agencies.

They pledged to support follow-up training, community-level implementation and sustained engagement to ensure the principles of the Interfaith Code of Conduct are translated into concrete actions capable of fostering lasting peace and national unity.

The conference organised in collaboration with CAN, the NSCIA and the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), with support from the International Dialogue Centre (KAICIID), brought together Christian and Muslim leaders, government officials, peacebuilding organisations, civil society groups, journalists, traditional rulers, women and youth representatives.

According to the co-chairmen, the Code was developed through a Nigerian-led interfaith process in partnership with KAICIID to address the growing religious, ethnic, political and social tensions affecting communities across the country.

They explained that the document establishes a shared values-based framework for Christian and Muslim leaders to prevent hate speech, promote responsible religious leadership, strengthen peaceful coexistence and support national cohesion.

The co-chairmen noted that the Code outlines 10 guiding principles for interfaith engagement, including mutual love and respect, protection of the sacred, respect for human dignity, prevention of hate speech and blasphemy, peaceful conflict resolution, justice, integrity, transparency, accountability, respect for lawful authority, compassion and empathy.

They stressed that the Code is designed to move beyond declarations of goodwill and become a practical guide for religious leaders in sermons, public statements, media engagement, conflict response and interactions with people of different faiths and backgrounds.

They added that journalists, civil society organisations, educators, traditional institutions and government agencies also have a responsibility to uphold the principles of the Code by avoiding narratives capable of fuelling religious tension or reinforcing harmful stereotypes.

The conference featured panel discussions on Nigeria’s current security and social realities, with participants emphasising the need for stronger collaboration among state and non-state actors in tackling hate speech, misinformation and violence through dialogue and peaceful engagement.

Participants agreed that the Interfaith Code of Conduct should be integrated into community dialogue, youth and women’s initiatives, peace education programmes and public communication strategies to strengthen conflict prevention efforts at the grassroots.

Speaking at the event, Acting Secretary-General of KAICIID, Ambassador António de Almeida Ribeiro, described the launch of the Code as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s peacebuilding journey.

He said KAICIID had accompanied the Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace since its establishment in 2015 and commended Nigerian religious leaders for demonstrating that dialogue remains a courageous and effective tool for resolving differences.

Ribeiro said the Code reflects the shared humanity of all people and reinforces the principle that every individual deserves dignity and respect regardless of religious affiliation.

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

He added, “This Code speaks to the heart of our shared humanity. It reminds us that every person carries dignity.” (AriseNews TV)

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