“Nigeria needs unity, not uniformity”: Catholic Official Calls for Equal Citizenship, Religious Freedom

Father Michael Banjo, Secretary General of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, urged the Nigerian government to guarantee security, justice, and religious freedom for all citizens regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or region. Speaking to ACI Africa on October 1 during a media chat for Nigeria's 66th independence anniversary, Banjo said the country needs unity rather than uniformity.

Banjo noted that current issues such as economic hardship, displacement, and insecurity reflect a moral challenge rather than just political or economic ones. He said Nigerians have not yet fully accepted the life, dignity, and welfare of every fellow citizen as a shared responsibility. He observed that while the nation shares the same territory, constitution, and public institutions, loyalties often remain limited to specific ethnic, religious, or regional boundaries.

To address these challenges, Banjo suggested that Nigeria must develop a sense of belonging strong enough to accommodate its diversity. He called for a culture of family based on respect for life, love, and acceptance to help overcome deepening distrust and the violence currently affecting many communities.