The ­Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience­ (OSPRE), in partnership with peacebuilding organisation CONCORD, on Friday convened faith leaders, civil society actors, and policy experts in Abuja to advance dialogue and practical action aimed at safeguarding Nigeria’s religious pluralism and national cohesion.

The high-level roundtable, themed “Safeguarding Nigeria’s Religious Pluralism: Faith, Dialogue and National Cohesion,” brought together imams, priests, peacebuilders, community organisers, and governance stakeholders to examine ways of countering divisive narratives and strengthening partnerships for peace at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the event, Director-General of Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience, Chris Ngwodo, called for a unified national response to insecurity, particularly in rural communities most affected by violence.

He stressed that achieving lasting peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict, including gaps in justice, governance, and development.

“Sustainable peace and resilience require inclusive approaches that recognise the multidimensional nature of violence and prioritise the protection and empowerment of local communities,” Ngwodo said.

Director of Integrative Missions and Dialogue at CONCORD, Fatima Madaki, highlighted the critical role of faith and civic leaders in countering misinformation and external narratives capable of deepening mistrust among citizens.

“Nigeria’s strength has always rested in its diversity and ability, despite challenges, to coexist, collaborate, and build shared communities across faiths and identities,” she said.

“At a time when misinformation spreads rapidly across social media, faith leaders and civic actors have an even greater responsibility to promote calm, justice, empathy, truth, and national unity,” she added.

Both Office for Strategic Preparedness and Resilience and CONCORD reaffirmed their commitment to sustained interfaith dialogue, stronger civic partnerships, and collaborative peacebuilding initiatives aimed at preserving Nigeria’s unity and promoting inclusive national development.

The dialogue attracted participants from organisations including the Islamic Education Trust, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Interfaith Dialogue Forum for Peace, Kukah Centre, Neem Foundation, HumAngle Foundation, Centre for Civilians in Conflict, and the Centre for Peace Studies and Conflict Management

Participants agreed that Nigeria’s security challenges remain complex, often involving sectarian tensions, ethnic disputes, organised crime, and resource-based conflicts.

They emphasised the need for responsive local governance, stronger protection for vulnerable communities, and sustained investments in initiatives that promote social cohesion and peaceful coexistence.