Nigeria’s assessment on religious freedom will come under international scrutiny in March 2027 when United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Nazila Ghanea, presents her country visit report to the UN Human Rights Council.
The Federal Government said it looked forward to the presentation of the report, reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom, peaceful coexistence and cooperation with international human rights mechanisms.
Nigeria’s representative, Amb. Bola Asaju, stated the country’s position on Thursday during the General Assembly’s Third Committee interactive dialogue on freedom of religion or belief.
The Nigerian delegation recalled that Ghanea visited the country from June 8 to June 19 at the invitation of the Federal Government, describing the visit as an opportunity for the independent expert to engage relevant stakeholders and examine issues affecting religious freedom.
Nigeria expressed appreciation for the Special Rapporteur’s engagement and reiterated its willingness to cooperate with international human rights mechanisms.
The forthcoming report is expected to contain Ghanea’s assessment and recommendations following her examination of religious freedom in Nigeria.
During Thursday’s dialogue, Nigeria also emphasised the need to protect the rights of individuals and communities to practise their religions and beliefs, including observances associated with death, burial, mourning and the dignified treatment of deceased persons.
The delegation described such practices as important expressions of human dignity, family relationships and cultural identity.
It maintained that religious observances deserved protection even in exceptional circumstances, including emergencies and other situations affecting communities.
Nigeria further stressed the importance of cooperation among governments, religious leaders, traditional institutions and local communities in promoting peaceful coexistence and preventing religious intolerance.
According to the delegation, such collaboration is essential to ensuring that people of different religious beliefs live together peacefully and that bereaved families can mourn their loved ones with dignity and respect.
Ghanea’s presentation during the dialogue examined the protection of funeral rites in situations involving armed conflicts, emergencies, deaths in custody and other exceptional circumstances.
The Special Rapporteur stressed that governments must respect their applicable international human rights obligations when adopting measures that affect religious observances.
Nigeria reiterated its support for constructive engagement with the independent expert and consideration of recommendations arising from her country visit.
The report’s presentation at the March 2027 Human Rights Council session is expected to provide an opportunity for further international consideration of the protection of freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria.
