Stakeholders Urge FG to Partner with Leaders for Unity

Stakeholders have called on the Nigerian federal government to deepen engagement with traditional and religious institutions to promote national unity and social cohesion. This call was made during the 2026 National Social Cohesion Dialogue organized by the African Poll Institute in Abuja.

Professor Bell Ihua disclosed that Nigeria's social cohesion index rose to 48.8% in 2026, marking a two percentage point increase from the previous year, although it remains below the 50% benchmark considered indicative of stronger social cohesion. The survey revealed a notable shift in citizen identity, with many identifying primarily as Nigerian rather than by ethnic or religious affiliation.

Despite this progress, there remains a significant deficit in public trust towards government institutions. Onyiny Onyema Obi from the Ford Foundation emphasized the importance of managing Nigeria's diversity to prevent social fault lines.

Rev. Ignatius Kaigama, addressing the gathering, noted the declining public confidence in government institutions and the opportunity for traditional and religious leaders to strengthen national unity.