President Bola Tinubu has called on religious and spiritual leaders across Nigeria to intensify their efforts against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and the exploitation of religion to promote violence.
Tinubu made the appeal on Sunday in Kano through the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, who represented him at the Grand Maulud of Sheikh Ahmad Al-Tijani.
The President, in a goodwill message delivered at the gathering, said religious leaders wield significant influence and should use their platforms to promote peace, tolerance and responsible citizenship.
According to him, religious institutions must strengthen their contributions to peace education, religious literacy, scholarship and the moral upbringing of young Nigerians.
He urged clerics to consistently condemn the killing of innocent people and reject attempts to use religion as a justification for acts of cruelty and violence.
Tinubu also charged religious leaders to encourage political leaders to uphold justice, responsibility and compassion, while reminding citizens that legitimate grievances should not be used as an excuse for lawlessness.
The President noted that the call had become particularly important as countries around the world grapple with violent extremism, terrorism, transnational crime, conflicts, food and climate shocks, as well as divisions based on identity and religion.
Citing a report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Tinubu said 117.8 million people were forcibly displaced globally by the end of 2025.
He described spiritual leaders as guardians of society’s conscience, saying their influence could help heal divisions, resolve grievances and address hatred and bitterness.
Tinubu specifically highlighted the Tijjaniyya community’s extensive networks across West Africa, North Africa and other parts of the world, saying the group could play a greater role in reconciliation, countering violent extremism, guiding young people and providing humanitarian support.
He said the Federal Government would continue to work with religious and traditional institutions to promote tolerance, counter misinformation and identity-based divisions, strengthen grassroots peacebuilding and encourage peaceful coexistence.
The President also reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to regional cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, maritime security, economic integration and dialogue.
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He noted that Nigeria’s strategic position within West Africa, the Sahel, Lake Chad Basin, Gulf of Guinea and the wider Atlantic region meant that instability in the country could have consequences beyond its borders.
Tinubu said partnerships between government and religious communities should be anchored on truthfulness, compassion, justice, restraint, service and respect for human life.
He further assured Nigerians that his administration would continue to protect freedom of worship while strengthening engagement with religious and traditional leaders in the interest of national cohesion.
The President welcomed the World Khalifa of the Tijjaniyya Order, scholars and spiritual leaders who travelled from countries including Algeria, Morocco, Senegal and Egypt for the Maulud.
He also paid tribute to the late Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi, who died in November 2025, describing him as a teacher, father and advocate of peace and moderation.
Tinubu said preserving the late Islamic scholar’s commitment to Qur’anic scholarship, moral instruction, peaceful coexistence and service to society would be the most lasting way to honour his legacy.
The President’s appeal comes amid renewed discussions over the role of religious leaders in Nigeria’s security, politics and governance, particularly as the country continues to confront terrorism, kidnapping and other forms of insecurity.