By George Ozalla
The expansive conference hall of the NAF Conference Centre, Abuja, wore an atmosphere of purpose and reflection on Thursday as traditional rulers, religious leaders, policymakers, development partners, academics, civil society organisations, media practitioners and members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) gathered for the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue. Conversations before the formal opening focused on the nation’s security challenges, declining public trust in institutions and the need to strengthen unity across ethnic, religious and political divides. As participants took their seats, it was evident that many shared the view that building a more united Nigeria requires the collective efforts of government, community leaders and citizens.
The dialogue, organised by the Africa Polling Institute (API), centred on the role of religious and traditional institutions in promoting national unity, peace and social cohesion across Nigeria. The event, themed “Strengthening the Role of Religious and Traditional Institutions as Key Agents of Social Cohesion,” also featured the presentation of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report, supported by the Ford Foundation.
Delivering his welcome address, API Executive Director, Professor Bell Ihua, said the dialogue was designed to provide a platform for honest conversations on the country’s social challenges and practical ways of strengthening peaceful coexistence through evidence-based policy and collaboration.
Presenting the survey findings, Professor Ihua disclosed that Nigeria’s National Social Cohesion Index rose from 46.8 per cent in 2025 to 48.8 per cent in 2026, representing the highest level recorded since the nationwide assessment began in 2019.
He said although the country remains slightly below the 50 per cent benchmark, the improvement shows the determination of Nigerians to continue living together despite economic hardship, insecurity and other social challenges.
Professor Ihua further stated that one of the major findings of the survey was that, for the first time since the study began, a majority of Nigerians now identify themselves first as Nigerians rather than by ethnic, religious or regional affiliations.
He said the development marks an important step in Nigeria’s nation-building efforts and reflects a growing sense of national identity among citizens.
According to him, the survey examined public perceptions across key indicators including identity, trust, social justice and equity, civic participation, tolerance, gender equality, disability inclusion, corruption, accountability, security, migration and future expectations.
He added that while confidence in religious and traditional institutions remains comparatively high, trust in government and public institutions continues to be low, making it necessary for public institutions to rebuild citizens’ confidence.
Goodwill messages delivered by guests at the event focused on the need for stronger cooperation among government, religious bodies, traditional institutions, development partners and citizens in building a peaceful and united Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the Ford Foundation, Programme Officer, Onyinye Onyema-Obi, said Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division.
She stated that religious and traditional leaders occupy positions of trust within their communities and continue to play important roles in promoting peaceful coexistence, guiding public behaviour and encouraging dialogue.
She further stated that insecurity, social division and the spread of misinformation have increased the need for trusted community leaders to help promote understanding and reconciliation.
The Emir of Kano, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented by the Falakin Kano, Mukhtar Ibrahim Bello, described traditional and religious institutions as important platforms for dialogue, mediation and reconciliation.
He said the trust Nigerians continue to place in religious and traditional leaders comes with the responsibility to promote justice, tolerance, peaceful coexistence and national unity.
Sanusi II urged religious and traditional leaders to reject extremism, hate speech, discrimination and other divisive tendencies while working with government and other stakeholders to strengthen social cohesion.
Delivering the keynote address on behalf of the Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Ignatius Ayau Kaigama, Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Unamba said the survey findings should encourage leaders at all levels to place greater emphasis on national unity.
“It is dangerous when people prioritise private identity above national identity. Citizens should proudly retain their cultural and religious identities, but these should not supersede commitment to the Nigerian project,” he said.
Kaigama stated that religious and traditional institutions remain close to the people and are well placed to mediate disputes, provide moral guidance and support community development.
He called for stronger collaboration between government and traditional institutions, greater recognition of traditional rulers and regular training in conflict management, peacebuilding and social cohesion.
He also cautioned religious and traditional leaders against partisan politics, saying public confidence in them depends largely on their neutrality.
Kaigama further criticised the growing practice of conferring honours and traditional titles solely on the basis of wealth, warning that such practices send the wrong message to younger generations.
Also speaking, the Royal Father of the Day, Oba Samuel Adejimi Adu Alagbado, the Ogoga of Ikere-Ekiti and Chairman of the Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers, called for constitutional recognition of traditional rulers and stronger local government autonomy, maintaining that traditional institutions are often the first point of contact during communal conflicts and security challenges.
The event also featured a panel discussion where experts examined practical ways of strengthening social cohesion, rebuilding public trust and expanding the contributions of religious and traditional institutions to national development. Participants actively took part in the question-and-answer session, offering suggestions and seeking clarification on issues raised during the presentations.
One of the major highlights of the dialogue was the unveiling of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report, after which complimentary copies were distributed to participants. Plaques were also presented to selected dignitaries, speakers and partners in recognition of their contributions and support for the Nigeria Social Cohesion Project.
The dialogue ended after the presentation of plaques and distribution of copies of the 2026 Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey Report to participants. Dr. Olusoji Adeniyi, who delivered the vote of thanks, called for greater understanding among Nigerians and expressed appreciation to the Ford Foundation, panelists, traditional rulers, religious leaders, development partners, participants and members of the media for their contributions to the success of the event.
