Kano pledges commitment to religious harmony, rights of all faiths and tribes

By Maduabuchi Nmeribeh/Kano

Kano state government has pledged to keep upholding religious harmony and ensuring fundamental human rights for sustenance of peaceful coexistence among all faiths and tribes resident in the state.

The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Kano State, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, on Tuesday, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the constitutional rights of all citizens during a high-level stakeholders’ engagement with the United Nations (UN) Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Prof. Nazila Ghanea.

The engagement, which took place in Kano, formed part of Prof. Ghanea’s official mission to Nigeria from 8 to 18 June 2026 to assess the state of freedom of religion or belief in the country through consultations with government officials and other relevant stakeholders.

Discussions focused on constitutional and institutional safeguards for freedom of religion or belief, challenges faced by religious communities, the role of traditional practices and efforts being made to address religious discrimination and tensions where they exist.

Representing Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf at the engagement, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Umar Farouk Ibrahim, conveyed the Kano State Government’s commitment to promoting peaceful coexistence and protecting the rights of all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliation.

The engagement was attended by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, SAN;; the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya; the Chief Registrar of the Kano State High Court, Hussaini Hassan Sulaiman; the Chief Registrar of the Sharia Court of Appeal, Abubakar Haruna Khalil, Esq; the Solicitor General and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, Salisu M. Tahir; the Director General of the Hisbah Board; the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sheikh Tijjani Auwal; and other senior government officials and stakeholders.

Speaking during the engagement, Abdulkarim Kabiru Maude, highlighted Kano State’s long-standing tradition of religious harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths.

He stated that the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guarantees every citizen the right to freedom of religion and other fundamental rights, adding that Kano State remains committed to upholding these constitutional provisions.

The Attorney General further explained that the concerns raised by the United Nations regarding the protection of human rights, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence are values that align with the teachings and principles of Islam, which promote justice, peace, equality, human dignity and the protection of the rights of all persons.

He reiterated that the administration of Governor Yusuf will continue to strengthen policies and institutions that promote dialogue, mutual respect and social harmony among all communities while safeguarding the rights of every resident in the state.

He also underscored the important roles of traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders in sustaining peace and preventing tensions that could undermine social cohesion.

He said Kano state government reaffirmed its readiness to continue collaborating with national and international partners in advancing human rights, religious freedom and peaceful coexistence across the state.