Religious tensions could escalate in South-West Nigeria as the Catholic Church raises concerns over the proposed expansion of Sharia law in the region.
At the 5th Edition of the Media Parley with the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN) Community in Abuja on Thursday, Church leaders made a passionate plea for caution, urging the government and religious stakeholders to uphold Nigeria’s foundational principle of religious freedom.
Speaking at the event, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, Director of the Mission and Dialogue Department, acknowledged that while the Nigerian constitution allows for Sharia law in personal matters, any attempt to broaden its scope must be handled with extreme care to avoid marginalizing other religious groups.
Fr. Emehel highlighted Nigeria’s diverse religious makeup, particularly in the Southwest, where interfaith families and multi-religious communities coexist. He warned that favoring one religious law over others could upset this fragile balance and sow discord.
“The question at hand is the introduction of Sharia law in Southwest Nigeria, and the position of the Church must be clarified,” he stated. “The current desire for Sharia law stems from dissatisfaction with the existing system. While every group has the right to advocate for what they believe benefits them, we must not lose sight of the fact that Southwest Nigeria is a melting pot of diverse religious beliefs.”
According to him, interfaith families could face increased challenges, and the broader community could experience new religious divides if Sharia law were implemented in a way that excludes or disadvantages others.
The Catholic Church is not calling for outright rejection of Sharia law, Fr. Emehel clarified, but rather urging a careful, inclusive approach that respects Nigeria’s pluralistic identity.
“The Catholic Church in Nigeria calls for caution—not to dismiss the legitimate desires of the people, but to acknowledge that we do not exist in isolation,” he continued. “Our identity as Nigerians is paramount, and this must not be undermined. The constitution guarantees religious liberty, but careful consideration is necessary to prevent discrimination or exclusion.”
His message was clear: legal reforms must not create a hierarchy of religious rights but should instead strengthen the nation’s commitment to fairness, coexistence, and mutual respect.
As Nigeria navigates these discussions, the Catholic Church’s warning serves as a reminder of the need for unity in diversity. Any move to expand religious laws in a multi-faith society must consider the broader implications, ensuring that no group—Christian, Muslim, or otherwise—feels alienated.
