The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) Nigeria has warned that growing Islamophobia in the country threatens national unity and peaceful coexistence, urging government, media, institutions and citizens to confront prejudice against Muslims.
In a press statement issued on Sunday to mark the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, the Executive Chairman of MPAC, Mal. Disu Kamor, said the organisation stands in solidarity with Muslims across the world facing discrimination, socio economic exclusion and unwarranted surveillance.
Mal. Kamor said Islamophobia in Nigeria is becoming a serious concern, often disguised as national security concerns or ethnic tension.
According to him, prejudice against Muslims must be recognised as a societal problem capable of undermining internal peace and coexistence.
“We urge Nigerians to reject hate speech, stereotypes and profiling. Let us promote interfaith understanding, respect and inclusivity while leaders must address Islamophobia, ensure equal rights and protect Muslim citizens,” he said.
The organisation also called on different sectors of society to take deliberate steps to combat the problem.
MPAC urged government and policymakers to strengthen legal protections against hate crimes, enforce anti discrimination laws and ensure fair representation of all religious groups in public life.
It also advised media organisations to uphold responsible journalism, avoid harmful stereotypes and provide balanced and accurate coverage of issues relating to Muslim communities.
Kamor also encouraged educational institutions to promote interfaith understanding, introduce inclusive curricula, and create safe environments for students from diverse backgrounds.
The organisation further called on Nigerians of all faiths to challenge bigotry whenever it appears, whether online, in conversations or within institutional practices.
MPAC also urged Muslim communities to continue building resilience, strengthen civic engagement and amplify narratives that reflect the diversity, richness and contributions of Islam and Muslims in Nigeria.
The group stressed that prejudice is a societal illness that harms everyone and warned that Islamophobia fuels division, erodes trust and threatens national unity.
It added that combating the challenge requires sustained education, courageous leadership and collective commitment from all segments of society.
MPAC therefore called for genuine interfaith engagement and cooperation to tackle Islamophobia and promote a Nigeria where citizens of all faiths can live with dignity and mutual respect.
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