NCSCN Warns Nigeria Against Ignoring International Allegations of Religious Violence.
NCSCN Warns Nigeria Against Ignoring International Allegations of Religious Violence.
The National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN) has called on the federal government to take urgent steps to improve the country’s handling of terrorism and banditry by establishing an independent database of attacks and strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic presence globally. The council emphasized the need for proper documentation and data harmonization on incidents involving terrorists and bandits, including detailed categorization by gender, age, and religion. This, they assert, would facilitate accurate information dissemination and help counter international misperceptions about Christian targeting, which they argue is misleading. Available records indicate that Muslims and Islamic communities are also victims, a fact the NCSCN urges the government to acknowledge.
The council also criticized Nigeria’s diplomatic disengagement, highlighting that the absence of ambassadors in key countries for over two years hampers effective international engagement and diplomacy. They warned that such neglect endangers Nigeria’s image and interests globally. The NCSCN’s emergency meeting was prompted by rising international tensions over alleged Christian genocide and the backlash against the government following delays in appointing ambassadors.
Among its recommendations, the council urged the federal government to convene an inter-religious dialogue to address the Christian genocide allegations and to leverage civil society organizations in clarifying facts. It called for President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the appointment of ambassadors and international lobbyists, proposing that nominations be submitted to the Senate for confirmation by November 2025. Additionally, the council recommended developing a national framework for strategic lobbying, involving experienced diplomats and international advocates, to safeguard Nigeria’s interests.
