RELIGIOUS DIVERSITY, INTER FAITH DIALOGUE AND NATIONAL UNITY IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria's religious landscape is characterised by diversity, with Christianity and Islam existing side by side within a shared national space. This plural religious environment has significantly influenced social relations, political interactions and national identity. While religion often serves as a source of moral values and communal solidarity, it has also been associated with tension and conflict when mobilised for political or ideological interests. Consequently, the pursuit of national unity within Nigeria's religiously diverse context remains a critical challenge. This paper examines the relationship between religious diversity, interfaith dialogue and national unity in Nigeria. It argues that religious diversity is not inherently conflict-oriented but can become a catalyst for unity when supported by sincere and inclusive interfaith dialogue. Interfaith dialogue is understood as a structured process of engagement that promotes mutual respect, tolerance and peaceful coexistence among religious groups. The paper explores how dialogue initiatives create platforms for cooperation, reduce mistrust and encourage shared civic responsibility in a multi religious society. The study adopts a qualitative research methodology based on documentary analysis of scholarly literature, policy documents and reports on interfaith initiatives in Nigeria. The findings indicate that effective interfaith dialogue contributes to national unity by reducing religious prejudice, strengthening social cohesion and supporting peaceful approaches to conflict management. However, the study also finds that political manipulation of religion, weak institutional support and socio-economic pressures continue to limit the effectiveness of interfaith dialogue in fostering sustainable national unity in Nigeria.