Groups seek steps to rebuild trust, deepen peace
Worried about growing divisions in Nigeria, leaders from various ethnic groups, civil society, and community organisations met in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. They agreed that the country needs to quickly rebuild
Worried about growing divisions in Nigeria, leaders from various ethnic groups, civil society, and community organisations met in Ikeja, Lagos, yesterday. They agreed that the country needs to quickly rebuild trust, improve justice, and support citizens’ peace efforts to prevent further division.
The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NHRC) organised a one-day conference that brought together over 1,000 people from all over the country. The event focused on good governance, democracy, and the need for peace and justice in Nigeria.
Speakers warned that rising ethnic, religious, and regional tensions threaten national unity, especially as the 2027 general election approaches.
Former National Secretary of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Ayo Opadokun, warned that Nigeria’s unity is at risk unless major constitutional and governance reforms are made.
He said Nigeria’s diversity, once a strength, is now causing problems due to structural imbalances, poor governance, and growing inequality. “Nigeria stands at a historic crossroads. We can either continue on the path of fragmentation or deliberately choose unity, peace and sustainable development,” he said. Opadokun, a leader in Afenifere, noted that people are losing trust in one another. He emphasised that justice, fairness, and accountability are essential for real peacebuilding.
Looking back at Nigeria’s political history, he said the Second Republic showed more commitment to inclusive governance and national purpose. At that time, merit and party structures, not personal wealth, influenced political participation.
He argued that repeated military takeovers changed this path by centralising power and creating inequalities that still cause resentment and division. He called for a new constitution based on true federalism, with states having greater control and resources shared fairly.
“No nation can endure where justice is selective, equity is absent, and citizenship is exclusionary,” he said.
The speakers said peacebuilding should not be left solely to the government. Citizens also need to play an active role.
Executive Director, Journalists for Democratic Rights (JODER), Mr Adewale Adeoye, said Nigerians must take charge of the peace process. He warned that fear and insecurity have weakened public trust in many communities.
Adeoye remembered when Nigerians could travel freely across regions without suspicion, but said trust has dropped significantly. “The people are the main stakeholders in peacebuilding and conflict prevention,” he said. “Rebuilding trust requires collective effort across all levels of society.”
He said that bringing people from different ethnic and regional backgrounds together is key to rebuilding relationships outside of politics. “When people come together to speak, it is about their shared vision, their safety and their future, not politics,” he added.
The JODER executive director also said it is important to rebuild connections between regions, especially between major commercial centres, to boost economic cooperation and national unity.
Participants shared these concerns, calling Nigeria a “fractured nation” struggling with deep distrust that could threaten democracy if not addressed.
In a statement, the groups urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leaders in Lagos and Kano to take clear steps to restore public trust before the next elections.
They pointed out that Lagos and Kano, as two of Nigeria’s most diverse cities, play a key role in promoting national unity and setting an example of peaceful living.
The conference also highlighted local peacebuilding. Participants praised Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for helping to keep Kano relatively stable, even as other parts of the North face security problems.
Several speakers said what is happening in Kano shows that including everyone in governance and working across ethnic and religious lines can lower tensions and help people live together peacefully.
The Kano State governor, represented by the Commissioner for Transport, Haruna Dederi, said the government is still focused on policies that support peace, economic inclusion, and social unity.
“Your solidarity has inspired us to do more. We are dedicated to ensuring that Kano remains a model of peace and stability for all Nigerians,” he told participants.
The event brought together many groups, such as Ohanaeze Ndigbo (represented by Dim Uche Okwukwu), Ijaw leaders (represented by Chief Werenipre Digifa), the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and several civil society, professional, and community associations.
Speakers agreed that poverty, inequality, and weak institutions continue to cause division. They warned that if nothing is done soon, these problems could make tensions worse before next year.
They also said open dialogue is important for preventing conflict. They noted that excluding people in the past led to national crises, such as the civil war.
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Many participants felt the conference showed what can happen when Nigerians work together across differences. “It is not enough to talk about unity. We must build it deliberately through dialogue, justice and shared responsibility,” one delegate said.
To recognise contributions to good governance and integrity, the organisers gave awards to several people. Opadokun was honoured for leadership and integrity, and Kano anti-corruption advocate Muhuyi Magaji Rimingado also received an award. Yusuf was named “Governor of the Year 2025”.
In the end, everyone at the Ikeja meeting agreed that peace in Nigeria is not just the government’s job. It needs citizens, institutions, and leaders to work together to fight injustice, close divides, and rebuild trust.
With political activity already picking up ahead of next year, participants warned that there is less time to act. They urged everyone involved to take strong steps now to help secure a more peaceful and united future for Nigeria.
