Partner traditional, religious leaders for national unity, stakeholders urge FG

Stakeholders have called on the Federal Government to deepen its engagement with traditional and religious institutions, recognizing them as vital partners for promoting national unity, peacebuilding, and social cohesion. These institutions are seen as among the most trusted platforms for mobilizing citizens across Nigeria's diverse communities.

The call came during the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue in Abuja, organized by the Africa Polling Institute (API). The event brought together policymakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, and civil society actors to assess the state of social cohesion and identify pathways for greater national integration. The dialogue coincided with the presentation of findings from the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey, supported by the Ford Foundation.

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For the first time since the inception of the study, a majority of respondents identified primarily as Nigerians rather than by ethnic, religious or regional affiliations.

According to API Executive Director Professor Bell Ihua, Nigeria's Social Cohesion Index rose to 48.8 percent in 2026, a two-percentage-point increase from the previous year. This marks the highest level recorded since the survey's inception, though it remains slightly below the 50 percent benchmark for stronger social cohesion. Ihua noted that this improvement reflects Nigerians' resilience and commitment to peaceful coexistence despite prevailing challenges.

A significant finding from the survey was a notable shift in national identity, with a majority of respondents identifying primarily as Nigerians rather than by ethnic, religious, or regional affiliations for the first time. However, the survey also revealed a continuing deficit of trust in government institutions, while confidence in religious and traditional leaders remained comparatively high. The project evaluates relationships among citizens and their willingness to cooperate across divides to foster national stability and prosperity.

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This shift represents an important milestone in the country’s nation-building journey and points to a strengthening sense of shared national identity.