Nigeria Urged to Prioritize Citizenship, Social Harmony Amid Rising Conflict, Insecurity

Nigeria Urged to Prioritize Citizenship, Social Harmony Amid Rising Conflict, Insecurity

Gautier Mignot, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, has called on Nigeria to address societal tensions and strengthen citizenship rights as part of efforts to tackle insecurity and foster national unity.

Mignot made the remarks at an event organised by the National Peace Committee (NPC) in collaboration with the EU and ECOWAS, focusing on “Nigeria’s National Identity – Revisiting the Indigene-Settler Question.” He stressed that inclusive governance and protection of citizens’ rights are critical to state-building and long-term stability.

“Nigeria is going through challenging times in terms of insecurity, conflict, and perceptional differences,” Mignot said. He urged the government and society to ensure that constitutional rights are upheld for all citizens, transcending narrow divisions of indigene and settler status.

READ ALSO:

• Senate to Screen General Christopher Musa as Nigeria’s New Defence Minister
• Manchester City Edge Fulham 5-4 in Thrilling Premier League Clash
• Spain retain UEFA women’s nations league title with 3-0 win over Germany

Mignot highlighted the European Union’s experience managing diversity, noting that Europe’s principle of “united in diversity” transformed cultural and national differences into a source of strength. He encouraged Nigeria to adopt similar approaches, embedding residency rights and federal character principles into governance frameworks to promote equality, inclusion, and shared prosperity.

Earlier, Most Revd Matthew Hassan Kukah, Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese and Convener of the NPC, warned that Nigeria remains mired in internal tensions, conflicts, and mistrust, undermining the Constitution and slowing national progress. He called for deliberate actions to restore social cohesion, trust, and a genuine sense of citizenship for all Nigerians.

The event underscored the importance of national dialogue, constitutional rights, and inclusive policies in addressing insecurity and fostering a united, peaceful Nigeria.

Nigeria Urged to Prioritize Citizenship, Social Harmony Amid Rising Conflict, Insecurity