Nigeria stands as one of Africa’s most religiously diverse nations, where Christianity and Islam are deeply rooted in the country’s social and cultural fabric. Yet, this diversity has not always translated into harmony. Historical mistrust and periodic tensions between the two faith communities have often strained relationships and slowed national development. It is within this context that the Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa (PROCMURA) continues its mission in Nigeria of creating and promoting platforms where "Christian and Muslim communities in spite of their differences, work together for justice, peace and reconciliation, towards the holistic development of the human family and the environment."

PROCMURA recently held a series of consultative meetings with senior leaders and partner organizations across Nigeria, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to empowering the church on Islam and Christian-Muslim relations for effective Christian witness of the Gospel in an interfaith environment and closely working with other stakeholders, including religious leaders, the government, youth and women leaders and the media, for sustainable peace and peaceful coexistence.

The PROCMURA senior leadership, led by the General Adviser Bishop (Dr.) Nathan Samwini, Team Leader, Ms Joy Wandabwa and the PROCMURA leadership in Nigeria led the delegation that met with senior representatives from key Christian bodies in Nigeria, including the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), as well as bishops from various mainstream churches, including the Baptist, Anglican and Methodist. The discussions focused on strengthening PROCMURA’s mission and deepening collaboration at the grassroots level.

The General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Dr. Musa Asake, and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) reaffirmed their organizations’ commitment to working closely with PROCMURA. They emphasized the need for joint efforts in building cohesive, inclusive, and peaceful communities across the country.

The meetings formed part of PROCMURA’s broader strategy to reinforce partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including faith leaders, government representatives, youth and women leaders, and the media. These efforts are geared toward promoting peace, understanding, and sustainable development in communities affected by religious tensions and conflict.

The consultative meetings highlighted the importance of sustained interfaith cooperation, collaborative community initiatives, and faith-based leadership in addressing the root causes of division that, more often than not, escalate into full-blown conflicts. The church leaders underscored the role of the Church, working alongside other faith communities, in nurturing resilient and harmonious societies.

The consultative meetings also provided an opportunity to review ongoing programmes and identify new areas of collaboration between PROCMURA, the Church in Nigeria, and partner organizations. The goal is to enhance religious tolerance, promote unity, and transform faith into a force for peace and progress in a nation that has, over time, experienced the devastating effects of religiously motivated violence.

Through these continued collaborations, PROCMURA and its partners are reinforcing their collective resolve to nurture communities where faith becomes a unifying force for peace and progress rather than a source of conflict.