The Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria has cautioned that the introduction and expansion of Sharia law in the South-West could heighten tensions and lead to conflict in the region.
Speaking at the 5th Media Parley of the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of the Mission and Dialogue Department, Rev. Fr. Lawrence Emehel, emphasised the need for careful deliberation to uphold religious freedom and prevent favoritism in the country’s multi-religious landscape.
“While the constitution allows for Sharia law in personal matters, its implementation must be handled with caution to avoid marginalizing other religious groups,” Emehel stated.
He warned that favouring one religious group over another could be particularly disruptive in the South-West, where families often include members of different faiths.
“The desire for Sharia law stems from dissatisfaction with the current system, but it is crucial to ensure that any legal reforms promote inclusivity and respect for religious diversity. We must recognize that Nigerians do not exist in isolation, and no law should inhibit or restrict others in their practices. Our national identity and constitutional guarantee of religious liberty must not be undermined,” he added.
The Catholic Church also raised concerns over the growing trend of neo-paganism among Nigerian youth, attributing it to socio-economic hardships, declining family values, and the pervasive influence of social media.
National Youth Animator, Rev. Fr. Boniface Idoko, said many young people are turning to pagan practices as a temporary escape from economic struggles.
“Without proper guidance, they are easily swayed. The decline in family values has left children more influenced by the streets and social media than by moral teachings. The Church is organizing training sessions to redirect young minds toward true faith, instilling values against materialism and moral neglect,” Idoko said.
Meanwhile, the Secretary General of the CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Banjo, decried the increasing pursuit of wealth by any means, linking it to the erosion of ethical principles in Nigerian society.
“To combat the allure of corruption and neo-paganism, we must focus on shaping consciences. Without a solid moral foundation, people struggle to differentiate between right and wrong. The family remains the cornerstone of society—if we wish to fight the ‘get rich quick’ mentality, we must instill values of honesty, hard work, and dignity in labor, starting from the home, schools, and places of worship,” Banjo stated.
