How FoRB Fights Religious Discrimination in Nigeria

Freedom of Religion and Belief (FoRB) is a fundamental human right that ensures individuals can practice their faith or hold personal beliefs without fear of persecution or discrimination. In Nigeria, FoRB is protected by Section 38 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the right to worship, change one’s religion, or hold personal beliefs. Additionally, Section 42 of the Constitution explicitly prohibits discrimination on the grounds of religion, ensuring that no Nigerian is treated unfairly because of their faith. These constitutional provisions, along with international instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, form the legal backbone of FoRB in Nigeria.

FoRB plays a crucial role in protecting Nigerians from faith-based discrimination by providing a legal framework that safeguards religious freedom and equality. For instance, it ensures that individuals can establish places of worship, observe religious holidays, and express their beliefs without interference. In the workplace, FoRB mandates that employers must make reasonable accommodations for employees’ religious practices—such as allowing time off for religious observances or permitting religious attire—unless doing so would cause undue hardship to the business. This legal protection extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotions, and workplace conduct, ensuring that no one is disadvantaged because of their religion.

A powerful example of FoRB fostering religious coexistence can be seen in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city. Abuja is a melting pot of diverse faiths, where Muslims, Christians, and followers of traditional religions live side by side in relative harmony. The Baháʼí Faith, with its community centers in Abuja, actively promotes unity and interfaith dialogue. These centers, along with Baháʼí schools and festivals, foster education and social cohesion, serving as a model of how different religious communities can work together for the common good. Additionally, the presence of both the National Mosque and the National Christian Centre in Abuja symbolizes Nigeria’s commitment to recognizing and respecting religious diversity at the highest level.

However, challenges to FoRB persist, particularly in areas like workplace bias. While the law requires employers to accommodate religious practices, some Nigerians still face discrimination, such as being denied promotions or subjected to harassment due to their faith. For example, employees may be pressured to conform to workplace norms that conflict with their religious beliefs, such as dress codes or work schedules. Addressing these hurdles requires both legal enforcement and a cultural shift toward greater understanding and respect for all beliefs.