RELIGIOUS PLURALISM AND ITS IMPACT ON GOVERNANCE IN NIGERIA: A CONTEMPORARY ANALYSIS

Abstract

From a functionalist perspective, society comprises various interdependent components, each contributing to the overall stability and well-being of the social system. Among these components, religion plays a significant role, particularly in a country like Nigeria, where religious diversity is a defining characteristic. Religious pluralism, in its ideal form, recognizes the inherent value of all religions and seeks to harness their positive elements for national growth, peaceful coexistence, and sustainable development. It fosters flexibility and tolerance by promoting the view that no single religion holds supremacy over others. However, in contemporary Nigeria, the potential benefits of religious pluralism have not been fully realized. Instead, the country experiences religious intolerance, conflict, and insecurity. Governance has, either consciously or unconsciously, become entangled with religious biases, thereby undermining national development efforts. This study, grounded in the theoretical framework of religious pluralism, argues that a more constructive understanding and application of religious pluralism—especially by those in leadership and governance—can foster unity and propel national development. The study relies primarily on secondary sources for data collection.