As Muslims and Christians in Nigeria commenced their fasting periods – Ramadan and Lent – simultaneously on February 18, 2026, religious leaders have called on the adherents of the two faiths to use the occasion to promote love, unity and tolerance.
 
They unanimously agreed that the impact of this coincidence would help to build a one-united Nigeria as well as promote harmonious co-existence.

Primarily, the Chief Imam of UNILAG Muslim Community (UMC), Prof Ismail Musa, urged Muslims and Christians to use the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent to deepen their interfaith understanding, as well as strengthen mutual respect, and work together as members of one shared society.

The Chief Imam said the adherents of the two religions must acknowledge that God has made this unique coincidence possible for a purpose, adding that in a multireligious country like Nigeria, its significance goes beyond being a mere historical accident.

He noted that the coincidence is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to build a distinctive nation that is capable of becoming an acclaimed leader on the global stage.

Musa said: “The moral and spiritual resources required to propel our nation forward are deeply rooted in the sacred scriptures of the two dominant religions. Drawing from the strengths of both traditions, even where one alone may suffice, can produce truly outstanding outcomes.”

The Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Most Rev Emmanuel Badejo, in his submission, urged Nigerians to be sincere as Christians and Muslims and shun hypocrisy, which according to him, demeans true religion.
 
He argued that if Christians live their religion of love and Muslims also live their religion of peace, the country would become paradise on earth. He said Christians and Muslims who are in positions of authority and power should repent and turn things around by allowing true faith to affect their decisions and actions without hypocrisy.

He stated that faith without works is dead, adding that only righteousness exalts a nation.

The cleric stressed that Nigerians must not ignore the coincidence and significance of Ramadan for Muslims and Lent for Christians this year. He said that the precarious circumstance of the country today calls for change and action, adding that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent is another urgent and divine call for the adherents of the two faiths to repent and rededicate themselves to positive values and practices to create a better country.

“Our current situation of insecurity, extremism, suffering and hardship is a bold symptom of how badly we have lived and strayed from the path of righteousness. This and other ugly realities of our country are traceable to human depravity and sin. None of the evil we suffer is caused by God. We have ourselves to blame for our woes,” the cleric said.

The Amir, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jamaat of Nigeria, Alatoye Azeez Folorunso, a lawyer, noted that Muslims and Christians would learn great lessons from the coincidence of Ramadan and Lenten seasons. He said that adherents of the two major faiths in Nigeria have shared values in areas of love for God, love for neighbours, justice, peace, compassion, and forgiveness. He added that both the Bible and the Qur’an teach respect for human life, charity to the needy, humility, and peaceful coexistence.

Folorunso said: “By focusing on these common teachings rather than doctrinal differences, followers can promote dialogue instead of division. Religious leaders and members alike should reject extremist interpretations and emphasise moral teachings that unite communities. Practical cooperation – such as joint community service projects, interfaith dialogues, and standing together against violence – can help demonstrate that faith should inspire kindness, not hatred.”

This coincidence of shared core values, according to him, can greatly strengthen the building of a united Nigeria, especially as the adherents of the two faiths recognise their common moral foundations.

Folorunso added: “It reduces suspicion and fosters mutual respect. Peaceful co-existence encourages national stability, social trust, and development. Unity across religious lines also weakens attempts by political or ethnic actors to exploit religion for conflict. By promoting harmony, Nigerians can focus on collective progress – economic growth, education, and good governance – thereby building a nation where diversity becomes a strength rather than a source of division.”

Also, the Archbishop of The African Church, Province of Abuja and North, Most Rev. Peter Ogunmuyiwa, described the Lenten season as a period of spiritual rejuvenation that fosters unity among Christians across the world. He noted that this year’s fast is unique because Muslims also commenced their fast at the same time with Christians.

Describing the coincidence as a miracle and understanding how God works, Ogunmuyiwa called on Muslims and Christians to use the occasion to learn from each other and promote core values like love, unity, and tolerance.

The archbishop advocated mutual respect, empathy and solidarity, interfaith harmony, and promotion of peaceful co-existence as measures that could build a united Nigeria.

He said: “Both faiths value fasting as a means of spiritual growth and self-reflection. By acknowledging this common ground, adherents can foster respect and understanding. By fasting alongside each other, Muslims and Christians can empathise with one another’s spiritual journeys, promoting unity and cooperation. Both Islam and Christianity emphasise love, compassion, and kindness. Focusing on these shared values can bridge gaps and promote tolerance.”

Ogunmuyiwa further pointed out that the coincidence could catalyse interfaith dialogue, fostering harmonious co-existence and national unity. Aside from that, the cleric said Nigerians should build bridges, not walls, and promote a culture of peace and understanding.

Ogunmuyiwa urged Muslims and Christians to use the opportunity to promote love, unity, and tolerance, as well as pray for a more safe and secure country where prosperity will thrive.

Also, the Archbishop of Aba Anglican Ecclesiastical Province/Bishop of Isiala Ngwa South Diocese, Most Rev. Isaac Nwaobia, said both adherents of Islam and Christianity should rediscover and emphasise the shared spiritual and moral foundations of their faiths.

He noted that both seasons are deeply rooted in self-discipline, repentance, charity, compassion, and renewed devotion to God, adding that fasting, in both traditions, is not merely abstaining from food but a spiritual exercise that calls believers to purify their hearts, control their desires, and extend kindness to others, especially the vulnerable and less privileged.

Nwaobia said the convergence should encourage adherents of both religions to recognise their common call to love, peace, forgiveness, and humility.

He said: “It presents a timely reminder that true devotion to God is reflected in how people treat their neighbours regardless of religious differences. When Christians and Muslims intentionally demonstrate mutual respect, engage in interfaith dialogue, support one another’s humanitarian efforts, and stand against violence and religious intolerance, they model the true teachings of their faiths.

“Furthermore, both fasting periods emphasise charity and generosity. Joint community outreach programmes, feeding initiatives, and social support efforts during this time can strengthen relationships and reduce suspicion and prejudice. Ultimately, this shared spiritual season should inspire believers to become ambassadors of peace, reminding society that faith, when genuinely practiced, builds bridges rather than walls.”
 
Ramadan and Lent, according to him, present a unique and symbolic moment capable of strengthening national unity and fostering peaceful coexistence in Nigeria’s religiously diverse society.

While noting the benefits of the two faiths fasting together, the archbishop admitted that Nigeria had often faced tension fueled by religious and ethnic differences, but the simultaneous spiritual observance by the two faith communities would offer a powerful platform for reinforcing shared national values and collective moral responsibility.

Nwaobia added: “This period can inspire citizens to focus on common aspirations such as peace, justice, compassion, and national development. When millions of Nigerians across both faiths engage in prayer, fasting, self-examination, and acts of charity at the same time, it creates a spiritual atmosphere that encourages reflection on national healing and unity. Religious leaders can leverage this moment to promote messages that discourage violence, intolerance, and divisive rhetoric while encouraging dialogue, cooperation, and mutual understanding.

“Government institutions, civil society organisations, and community leaders can also use this period to organise joint interfaith peace initiatives, humanitarian projects, and community service programmes that visibly demonstrate unity in diversity. Such collaborations can strengthen trust among communities and promote a sense of shared destiny.

“Ultimately, this coincidence reminds Nigerians that despite religious differences, they share a common humanity and national identity. If properly harnessed, it can become a strong moral and spiritual catalyst for building a more united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.”

For State Islamic Leader, Vice President General, Rivers State Council for Islamic Affairs/Chairman, Association of South-South Muslim Ummah of Nigeria, Alhaji Nasir Awhelebe Uhor, Muslims should shun all acts of sin, abstain from marital intimacy and nourishment from dawn to dusk and engage in activities that promote righteousness and come closer to Allah during Ramadan. 
 
Enumerating the immense health benefits derivable from the month-long fasting, Uhor said if Muslims and Christians adhere strictly to set provisions by Allah, it would produce good leaders and good governance.
 
According to him, good governance will translate into a wealthy, productive, safe, healthy, united, happy country and people.
 
“It entrenches justice, equity, honesty, accountability, fairness and industry among other critical virtues. That is also saying that where good governance holds sway, hatred, corruption, injustice, insecurity, and many other sundry vices that plague the country are reduced to such a level that they cannot threaten the well-being of the people.”

Uhor stated that Nigeria’s redemption is squarely in the hands of Muslims and Christians because they have the country’s affairs firmly in their grip.

He asked: “So, why should the country be groveling on its knees and its people so disunited and impoverished? Worse still, they get kidnapped and murdered at will by terrorists, bandits and other sundry criminals with confounding ease. How on earth can people of Allah, who undergo month-long spiritual cleansing yearly still entrench bad governance contrary to divine will?”

Enjoining Muslims and Christians to close ranks and resolve to promote the collective interests of Nigerians first, he noted: “They should reject people with ulterior motives who are bent on pitching them against one another and resolve to be guided by the lessons of the fasting seasons as ordained by Allah. That will be the end of injustice, inequity, disunity, hatred, corruption, and bad governance.”

Uhor asserted that developing Nigeria does not require rocket science but visionary leaders to harness the country’s abundant resources.

He said: “To end insecurity, economic and social hardship does not demand Albert Einsteins to be in Aso Rock and various state government houses.

“All that is required is for Muslims and Christians at the helm of the affairs of the country to fear Allah by holding themselves accountable to justice, equity, truth and fairness or the people themselves find a way to enforce these divine virtues of leadership on them. Until then, the lessons and blessings of the Ramadan and Lent will continue to elude the country. Period!”