“Stop the ethnic wars before it’s too late!” EU warns Nigerians

The National Peace Committee (NPC) and the European Union (EU) have called on Nigerians to embrace a unified national identity above ethnic, religious, and regional loyalties to prevent the country from sliding into deeper instability.

The appeal was made in Abuja on Tuesday during an NPC discourse titled “Nigeria’s National Identity; Revisiting the Indigene–Settler Question.”

Bishop Matthew Kukah, Convener of the NPC, lamented that despite decades of nation-building, Nigeria still falls short of the ideals envisioned by its founding leaders. He described the country as being trapped in “miniature internal wars” driven by conflict, distrust, and competing identities.

Kukah stressed that Nigeria’s Constitution already provides the blueprint for national cohesion. He cited Section 14 of Chapter 2, which mandates that governance must reflect Nigeria’s diversity, and Section 15, which prohibits discrimination and guarantees every citizen the right to live and move freely across the country.

He warned that Nigeria’s persistent divisions continue to weaken national unity, saying:

“We need to elevate Nigerian identity to a higher pillar of common citizenship. Unless we focus on our shared citizenship, we will continue to mourn, bury our dead, and sing our dirges in different vernaculars.”

Reflecting on the formation of the NPC in 2014, Kukah said the committee was established to foster unity, reconciliation, and a democratic process capable of strengthening national cohesion. He urged Nigerians to “hang together” to build a modern, inclusive society.

Mr. Zissimos Vergos, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, praised the Peace Committee for its contributions to national stability. He emphasised the EU’s belief in dialogue and critical reflection as tools for easing tensions and countering divisive narratives.

He said achieving national unity requires protecting the rights of all Nigerians, regardless of background, while promoting residency rights and federal character principles.

“Discriminatory practices rooted in historical grievances weaken the state and stunt development,” Vergos said. “Reforms that guarantee equal rights after sustained residency can turn Nigeria’s divisions into strengths.”

Cardinal John Onaiyekan, another member of the NPC, acknowledged that although the committee has strengthened electoral processes, “there is still work to be done.”

With the 2027 elections approaching, Onaiyekan urged political actors to uphold democratic values and called on citizens to reject flawed elections.

“We have to liberate ourselves,” he said. “Let everyone know we are no longer ready to accept bad elections.”