The National Peace Committee and the European Union have called on Nigerians to prioritise a shared national identity above ethnic, religious, and regional affiliations.

They warned that the country risks worsening instability if these longstanding divisions continue to dominate public life.

The call was made during the NPC’s discourse titled ‘Nigeria’s National Identity; Revisiting the Indigene–Settler Question’, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Matthew Kukah, convener of the NPC, said that, despite decades of nation-building efforts, Nigeria remained distant from the aspirations of its founding fathers.

He observed that the country is still plagued by “miniature internal wars”, conflicts, and tensions that undermine national cohesion and obstruct meaningful progress.

He stated that Nigeria’s Constitution already outlined a framework for national integration.

He stated that Section 14 of Chapter 2 required that government composition and conduct reflect the nation’s diversity to prevent the dominance of any one group.

According to him, Section 15 prohibits discrimination and guarantees citizens’ freedom of movement and residence across the country.

Mr Kukah stressed that Nigeria’s divisions have created cracks, adding that Nigeria would not grow alone because of its tribes, faiths, social status or faith.

Reflecting on the NPC’s origins, Mr Kukah explained that it was created in 2014 to provide hope, foster unity, promote reconciliation, and support a democratic process capable of delivering national cohesion.

Zissimos Vergos, deputy head of the EU delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, commended the NPC for its contributions to nation-building.

Mr Vergos said the EU strongly believes in dialogue and critical reflection as tools to ease societal tensions, debunk harmful narratives, and develop solutions.

According to him, nation-building depends on ensuring that all Nigerians, regardless of their origin, ethnicity, or length of residence, enjoy equal rights to live, participate, and prosper.

“The EU stands with Nigeria in building a robust citizenship framework capable of creating an inclusive society grounded in federal character principles and residency rights,” said Mr Vergos.

He said that discriminatory practices rooted in historical grievances undermine state legitimacy and impede development, but reforms such as guaranteed rights after sustained residency could transform divisions into strengths.

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, a member of the NPC, noted that while the NPC has helped improve elections, it is still “a work in progress”.

Looking to the 2027 elections, Mr Onaiyekan urged political actors to uphold democratic principles, saying that democracy cannot survive without credible elections. He appealed to Nigerians to reject bad elections and demand better governance.

“We have to liberate ourselves. I am talking of the 250 million Nigerians who are not politicians. I don’t know how we can organise ourselves, but let everybody know we are not ready anymore to accept bad elections.”

(NAN)