The Federal Government has praised Search for Common Ground, Nigeria, for its remarkable role in advancing religious and belief freedoms nationwide.
During the National Close-out of the Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FoRB) project on Tuesday in Abuja, the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, described the initiative as deeply beneficial to the country.
Represented by the Director of Legal Services, Mrs. Omotese Eva, the minister noted that the organisation’s efforts had strengthened dialogue, reduced communal friction, and encouraged mutual respect among people of diverse faiths.
He said the project promoted trust and collaboration by enhancing community peace architecture, supporting early warning and response systems, backing human rights defenders, and engaging strategically with the media.
“We cannot overlook the fact that Nigeria continues to grapple with complex challenges,” he said. “These concerns call for constant vigilance, cooperation, and the development of reliable platforms that support dialogue and early intervention. This is why the achievements highlighted today are so important, and we appreciate that the National Human Rights Commission will be taking the lead going forward.”
In his keynote remarks, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, applauded the NGO for its consistent support toward preventing conflict, countering divisive narratives, and fostering resilient, inclusive communities.
Tuggar—represented by Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), and Mr. Emeka Mba, a Director at the institute—said the Federal Government recognised the professionalism and dedication that drove the project’s success.
He added that the initiative aligned with the government’s wider objectives of enhancing social cohesion, curbing violent extremism, and promoting inclusive governance.
According to him, the project’s accomplishments demonstrate the value of strong partnerships that combine diplomacy, community engagement and evidence-led programmes.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said the initiative promoted one of the most delicate and essential rights protected under national and international law.
Represented by Mr. Halilu Adamu, Director of the Civil and Political Rights Department, Ojukwu said the project recorded notable milestones, including the capacity building of journalists, civil society organisations, faith leaders and human rights defenders.
He said it enhanced early warning and response structures, created referral pathways for faith-related conflicts, raised awareness on interfaith understanding and provided support systems for individuals at risk.
“Your contributions have strengthened institutions, communities and the futures of those who rely on these protections,” he added. “Let us continue to move forward with unity and resolve to build a country where human rights are upheld in everyday life.”
Mr. Ronald Sonnemans, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Nigeria, commended all partners, particularly Search, for their collaboration throughout the project.
He noted that while diversity can unite and inspire when respected, it can equally be exploited to cause fear and deepen divisions.
According to him, the initiative equipped key institutions to anticipate, prevent and respond to religiously motivated conflicts, while also reinforcing global efforts to safeguard freedom of religion or belief.
The Country Director of Search for Common Ground, Nigeria, Karno Quattara, said the three-year PP-FoRB project strengthened trust, reinforced early warning structures and amplified voices promoting unity.
He expressed appreciation to the Kingdom of the Netherlands for its steadfast support toward peacebuilding and human rights in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
Quattara said many people across communities still experience fear, discrimination or threats simply because of their religious identity or beliefs.
“These violations do not only harm individuals; they weaken the core of peace and trust,” he said. “This reality informed the creation of this project and underscores the importance of the work we do.”
He added that the project established the country’s first national case management and referral system for FoRB violations, as well as a toll-free hotline, 08000002233, which will now be managed by the NHRC.
Quattara noted that Search also collaborated with 90 human rights and legal practitioners, 30 journalists, 30 micro-influencers, religious leaders, community stakeholders, security agencies and civil society organisations across all six geopolitical zones, demonstrating the project’s wide reach and impact.