In a significant move to address escalating religious tensions, a delegation of prominent northern Nigerian leaders has embarked on a major reconciliation initiative between Christian and Muslim communities across the region's nineteen states.
Delegation Meets Top Religious Bodies
The effort is spearheaded by the newly formed Northern Reconciliation Group (NRG). Key figures leading the delegation include Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the former spokesperson for the Northern Elders Forum (NEF), and Professor Yusuf Usman, a former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
On Tuesday, December 16, 2025, the group visited the national headquarters of the two foremost religious bodies: the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI). The visits mark the start of a concerted push to bridge divides and promote harmonious coexistence.
A Call for Unity Amid Growing Tensions
This reconciliation drive comes at a critical time. It follows a period of increasing tension and allegations that Christians are being targeted in parts of northern Nigeria. These concerns have threatened the long-standing social fabric of the region.
During the meetings, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed emphasized the urgent need for collaboration. He stated that the time has come for both faiths to unite, live in harmony, and pursue peace, particularly within the northern context where interfaith relations are vital for stability and development.
The Path Forward for Northern Nigeria
The formation of the Northern Reconciliation Group and its immediate action signifies a proactive step by northern elites to tackle a sensitive issue head-on. By engaging directly with the leadership of CAN and JNI, the group aims to establish a framework for dialogue that can trickle down to state and local levels.
The success of this initiative could have profound implications for security and social cohesion in northern Nigeria. It represents a homegrown effort to de-escalate conflicts and foster a shared understanding, moving beyond rhetoric to actionable peacebuilding.
Observers will be watching closely to see how this initial outreach translates into sustained dialogue and concrete measures that reassure all communities and curb violence.
