Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence as the United Nations prepares to present findings from an independent assessment of religious rights in the country.

The federal government stated its position on Thursday during the General Assembly’s Third Committee interactive dialogue on freedom of religion or belief.

Nigeria’s representative, Bola Asaju, welcomed the engagement of UN Special Rapporteur Nazila Ghanea, who undertook an official visit to the country earlier this year. The delegation noted that Ghana visited Nigeria from June 8 to 19 at the government’s invitation.

It said the visit allowed the independent expert to engage relevant stakeholders and examine issues affecting religious freedom. Nigeria expressed appreciation for the special rapporteur’s engagement and reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms.

The delegation said it looked forward to Ghana’s country visit report to the UN Human Rights Council in March 2027. The forthcoming report is expected to provide the expert’s assessment and recommendations after examining religious freedom in Nigeria.

Turning to Thursday’s dialogue, Nigeria emphasised the importance of protecting the rights of individuals and communities to practise their religions and beliefs. It said such protection extended to religious observances associated with death, burial, mourning, and the dignified treatment of deceased persons.

The delegation described these practices as important expressions of human dignity, family relationships, and cultural identity. Nigeria maintained that religious observances deserved protection even during exceptional circumstances, including emergencies and other situations affecting communities.

It also highlighted the importance of cooperation among governments, religious leaders, traditional institutions, and local communities.

According to the delegation, such cooperation could strengthen peaceful coexistence and prevent religious intolerance. Nigeria further restated the need to ensure that bereaved families could mourn their loved ones with dignity and respect.

The country reaffirmed its commitment to mutual respect, interfaith dialogue, and peaceful coexistence among people of different religions and beliefs.

Ghana’s presentation examined the protection of funeral rites during armed conflicts, emergencies, deaths in custody and other exceptional circumstances.

The special rapporteur stressed that governments must respect applicable international human rights obligations when adopting measures affecting religious observances.

Nigeria reaffirmed its support for constructive engagement with the independent expert and consideration of the recommendations arising from her country visit.

The dialogue was held ahead of the March 2027 Human Rights Council session, when the assessment is expected to receive international consideration.

(NAN)