19.09.2008 - Source: US Department of State

International Religious Freedom Report 2008 ("International Religious Freedom Report 2008") [ID 24770]

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Constitution prohibits preferential treatment to a religious community by state and local governments, but Christian communities claim that the use of Sharia courts leads to the adoption of Islam as de facto state religion ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23690]

"The constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting or giving preferential treatment to a religious or ethnic community; however, states, whether predominately Christian or Muslim, generally favored the faith practiced by the majority of their residents. Some Christians alleged that the 2000 reintroduction and enforcement of criminal aspects of the Shari'a legal system and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of qadis (Shari'a court judges), and subsidies for the pilgrimage to Mecca across the 12 northern states amounted to the adoption of Islam as a de facto state religion. Moreover, the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) contended that the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs and the creation of a preacher's council in Zamfara State was tantamount to adopting Islam as a state religion. However, several states, including northern states, apportioned funds to finance Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem and to construct churches."

Document(s): Open document

11.03.2008 - Source: US Department of State

Religious discrimination in employment is prohibited, but occurs frequently in private business ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2007") [ID 23710]

"The law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other practices; however, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity in their hiring practices and purchasing patterns. In nearly all states, ethnic rivalries between "indigenes" and "settlers" led to some societal discrimination against minority ethnic and religious groups."

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2007 - Source: US Department of State

The number of citizens who practice Islam or Christianity is assumed to be roughly equal and there is a substantial number who practice traditional indigenous religious beliefs ("International Religious Freedom Report 2007") [ID 21263]

"The country has an area of 356,700 square miles and a population of 135,031,200. There are no accepted figures for the proportion of citizens who practice Islam or Christianity; it is generally assumed the numbers are roughly equal and that there is a substantial number who practice traditional indigenous religious beliefs alongside Christianity or Islam. The predominant form of Islam is Sunni, although indigenous Shi'a communities reside in isolated parts of the North as well. The Christian population includes Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and a growing number of evangelical and Pentecostal Christians and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons)."

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully, neither community segregated completely from the other except in parts of Kaduna State ("International Religious Freedom Report 2007") [ID 21264]

"The North, dominated by the large Hausa-Fulani and Kanuri ethnic groups, is predominantly Muslim. However, significant Christian communities have resided and intermarried with Muslims in the North for well over 50 years. Overall, Muslims and Christians coexist peacefully, neither community segregated completely from the other except in parts of Kaduna State. Both Muslims and Christians reside in large numbers in the Middle Belt, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). In the Southwest, where the Yoruba ethnic group predominates, Christians and Muslims reside in equal numbers. While most Yorubas practice either Christianity or Islam, the practice of traditional Yoruba religious beliefs continues. Southern ethnic groups are predominantly Christian. In the East, where the Igbo ethnic group is dominant, Catholics, Anglicans, and Methodists are the majority, although many Igbos continue to observe traditional rites and ceremonies in tandem with Christianity."

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2007 - Source: US Department of State

There is no state religion; however, some Christians allege that across the 12 northern states the Islam has been adopted as a de facto state religion ("International Religious Freedom Report 2007") [ID 21266]

"The Government is a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference; however, there is no state religion. [...]
There are 36 states constituting the federal republic; governors enjoy significant autonomy in decision making but derive substantial resources subject to oversight from the Federation Account of the Government. The Constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting or giving preferential treatment to a religious or ethnic community. Some Christians allege that the 2000 reintroduction and enforcement of criminal aspects of the Shari'a legal system and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of Qadis (Shari'a court judges), and subsidies for the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj) across the 12 northern states amounted to the adoption of Islam as a de facto state religion. Moreover, the Nigerian Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) contends that the establishment of a Ministry of Religious Affairs and the creation of a Preacher's Council in Zamfara State is tantamount to adopting Islam as a state religion. However, several states, including northern states, apportioned funds to finance Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem and to construct churches. States, whether predominantly Christian or Muslim, generally responded to the religious needs expressed by the majority of their residents."

Document(s): Open document

14.09.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Although the law prohibits religious discrimination in employment, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity in their hiring practices and purchasing patterns ("International Religious Freedom Report 2007") [ID 21432]

"The law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other practices; however, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity in their hiring practices and purchasing patterns. In nearly all states, ethnic rivalries between "indigene" groups and "settlers" led to some societal discrimination against minority ethnic and religious groups."

Document(s): Open document

05.2007 - Source: US Commission on International Religious Freedom

Persistent religious freedom concerns in Nigeria ("Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom") [ID 20772]

"The response of the government of Nigeria to persistent religious freedom concerns inthat country continues to be inadequate. These concerns include an ongoing series of violentcommunal conflicts along religious lines; the expansion of sharia (Islamic law) into the criminalcodes of several northern Nigerian states; and discrimination against minority communities ofChristians and Muslims. In addition, there are reports of foreign sources of funding and supportfor Islamic extremist activities in northern Nigeria, activities that threaten to fracture the alreadyfragile relations between the two main religious groups. However, during the past two years,Nigerian security forces have responded more quickly to quell sectarian violence and have takensteps to address the activities of Islamic extremist groups. Because of persistent concerns, theCommission continues to place Nigeria on its Watch List."

Document(s): Open document

05.2007 - Source: US Commission on International Religious Freedom

Christians in the northern states are being discriminated against as well as Muslims in the southern states ("Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom") [ID 20786]

"In addition to the sharia controversy and the violence it incites, Nigeria is plagued by a number of other serious problems regarding freedom of religion or belief. Christians in the northern states complain of what they view as discrimination at the hands of Muslim-controlled governments and describe their communities as having the status of “second-class citizens.” Most complaints predate the recent initiatives regarding sharia, and include allegations of official discrimination in the denial of applications to build or repair places of worship, access to education and state-run media, representation in government bodies, and government employment. Muslim communities in southeastern Nigeria, where Muslims are a small fraction of the population, echo some of the complaints of minority Christian communities in northern Nigeria. Southern Muslim leaders report official or officially sanctioned discrimination in the media, education, and representation in government institutions. Although proselytizing is permitted by the Constitution, several northern states continue to ban some public religious activities to address public safety and security concerns."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Some Christians alleged that Islam has been adopted as a de facto state religion in several northern states, although this is prohibited ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19726]

"The law prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion. Some Christians alleged that Islam has been adopted as a de facto state religion in several northern states, citing criminal law aspects of Islamic law (Shari'a) and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of kadis, and pilgrimages to Mecca (hajj). However, several states, including northern states, used government revenues to fund Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. States, whether dominated by Christians or Muslims, generally favored the faith practiced by the majority of residents."

Document(s): Open document

06.03.2007 - Source: US Department of State

Although the law prohibits religious discrimination in employment practices such cases were reported ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2006") [ID 19733]

"The law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other practices; however, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity in their hiring practices and purchasing patterns. In nearly all states, ethnic rivalries between "indigenous" and "settlers" led to some societal discrimination against minority ethnic and religious groups."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Overview on religious demography ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17747]

"The country has an area of 356,700 square miles, and its population is estimated at 140 to 150 million. There were no accepted figures for the proportion of citizens who practiced Islam or Christianity; it was generally assumed the numbers were roughly equal and that there were a substantial number who practiced traditional indigenous religions alongside Christianity or Islam. The predominant form of Islam in the country was Sunni. The Christian population included Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and a growing number of evangelical and Pentecostal Christians and members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons). There was a strong correlation between religious differences and ethnic and regional diversity. The north, dominated by the large Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, was predominantly Muslim with significant numbers of Christians. Both Muslims and Christians were found in large numbers in the Middle Belt. In the southwest, where the large Yoruba ethnic group was the majority, there was no dominant religion. Most Yorubas practiced either Christianity or Islam, while others continued to practice the traditional Yoruba religion, which includes a belief in a supreme deity and the worship of lesser deities that serve as the supreme deity's agents in aspects of daily life. In the east, where the large Igbo ethnic group was dominant, Catholics, Anglicans, and Methodists were the majority, although many Igbos continued to observe traditional rites and ceremonies in tandem with Christianity. The Government conducted a nationwide census in March 2006. There was a great deal of controversy over whether to count religion and ethnicity during the census exercise. The final decision was to leave questions of ethnicity and religion off the census form. Therefore, no precise data was gathered about the relative numbers of adherents to various faiths in the country. Christian missionaries from many denominations operated freely. Rough estimates put the number of foreign Christian missionaries at more than one thousand, with many residing in the area around Jos in the Middle Belt's Plateau State. Many Christian missionaries have been present for a decade or longer. There were fewer foreign Muslim missionaries, and they generally stayed for shorter periods of time than their Christian counterparts."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Government remained member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17748]

"The Government remained a member of the Organization of the Islamic Conference during the period covered by this report. However, there is no state religion."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Overview on Muslim and Christian holidays observed by the government ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17749]

"Each year the Government observes the following Islamic and Christian holy days as national holidays: Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Good Friday, Easter Monday, the Birth of the Prophet Muhammad, Christmas, and Boxing Day."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17750]

"There are thirty-six states; governors have substantial autonomy in all decision making but derive the vast majority of their resources from the Federal Government. The constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion; however, some Christians have alleged that Islam has been adopted as a de facto state religion in several northern states, citing the reintroduction of criminal law aspects of Shari'a (Islamic law) and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of Kadis (Shari'a judges), and pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj). However, several states, including northern states, used government revenues to fund Christian activities, including pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In general, state governments, whether dominated by Christians or Muslims, tended to lean toward the faith practiced by the majority of residents."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Tensions between Muslims and Christians remain high in some areas; religious questions proved so divisive that they were removed from 2006 census form ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17752]

"Interreligious tension between Christians and Muslims remained high in some areas, and there were several violent economic, ethnic, and political conflicts that took on religious overtones. A government census was held in March, the first since 1991. Census results were not scheduled to be released until at least November 2006. The census had been expected to settle the question of whether Christians or Muslims make up the majority in the country. However, the religious issue proved so divisive that questions related to it were eventually removed from the census form."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Federal and state governments involved in regulation of mandatory religious instruction in public schools ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17754]

"Both federal and state governments were involved in the regulation of mandatory religious instruction in public schools."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Government established Inter-Religious Council, consisting of prominent Muslims and Christians ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17755]

"Some state governors actively encouraged interfaith and interethnic discussions and took steps to prevent further violence and tension. The Government encouraged the activities of nongovernmental organizations such as the Kano-based Inter-Ethnic Forum, the Kaduna-based Inter-Faith Mediation Center, and the Muslim/Christian Dialogue Forum. At the national level, the Government established an Inter-Religious Council, consisting of prominent Muslim and Christian leaders."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

In the North children are separated according to gender in many schools; they should observe "decent standards of dress"; religious organisations are banned from primary school campuses ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17795]

"In the north there is a long tradition of separating schoolchildren according to gender. Some form of gender segregation occurred in many secondary schools in the north. In December 2004 the Kano State Commissioner of Education announced that public and private school pupils should observe "decent standards of dress," although non-Muslim girls would not be required to wear the headscarf. The Government continued to ban religious organizations from primary school campuses, although individual students retained the right to practice their religions in registered places of worship. The constitution does not require students to receive instruction in a religion other than their own; however, the Ministry of Education requires public school students to undergo either Islamic or Christian religious instruction. State authorities claim that students are permitted not to attend classes taught in a religion other than their own and that students may request a teacher of their own religion to provide alternative instruction. However, there were often no teachers of "Christian Religious Knowledge" in many northern schools, and of "Muslim Religious Knowledge" in some southern schools."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Ethnic, regional, economic, and land use competition often correlate with religious differences between the competing groups ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17808]

"Religious differences often mirror regional and ethnic differences. For example, persons in the North and in parts of the Middle Belt are overwhelmingly Muslim and from the large Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups that tend to dominate these areas. Many southern ethnic groups are predominantly Christian. In many areas of the Middle Belt, Muslim Fulani tend to be pastoralists, while the Muslim Hausa and most Christian ethnic groups tend to be farmers or work in urban areas. Consequently ethnic, regional, economic, and land use competition often correlate with religious differences between the competing groups."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Although law prohibits religious discrimination in employment, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity ("International Religious Freedom Report 2006") [ID 17817]

"The law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other practices; however, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity in their hiring practices and purchasing patterns. In nearly all states, ethnic rivalries between "indigene" groups and "settlers" led to some societal discrimination against minority ethnic and religious groups."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Religious congregations as tools of politics and as important networks ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18709]

"Religious affiliation continues to be an issue evoked regularly in Nigeria, especially in situations of political conflict where people want to mobilise others on their side. However, an issue rarely mentioned in reports on Nigeria is the source of support religious congregations can be for ordinary Nigerians – and not only on a spiritual level. Religious congregations are also important networks and sources of assistance in times of need. Note that Christian and Muslim congregations generally consider the ethnicity of congregation members to be irrelevant."

Document(s): Open document

08.2006 - Source: Norwegian Country of Origin Information Center

Concerning Christians as well as Muslims there is a wide scale of religious practice, from orthodox to syncretistic ("Report on Fact-finding trip to Nigeria (Abuja, Lagos and Benin City) 12-26 March 2006") [ID 18725]

"The issue of religion in Nigeria is also considerably more complex than simply the balance between Christians and Muslims. First, a fairly large minority of Nigerians are neither Christians nor Muslims. Second, there is considerable variation among both Christians and Muslims as to how they practice their religion – on a wide scale from strict orthodoxy on one side to a very syncretistic one on the other."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Overview of freedom of religion ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17107]

"The law provides for freedom of religion, and while the federal government generally respected religious freedom; there were instances in which limits were placed on religious activity to address security and public safety concerns. The law prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion. Some Christians alleged that Islam has been adopted as a de facto state religion in several northern states, citing criminal law aspects of Shari'a and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of Kadis, and pilgrimages to Mecca (hajj). However, several states, including northern states, used government revenues to fund Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In general states, whether dominated by Christians or Muslims, favored the faith practiced by the majority of residents. The law provides that states may elect to use Islamic (Shari'a) laws and courts. There were 12 northern states that have adopted at least parts of Shari'a--Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, Zamfara, and Gombe. Adherence to Shari'a provisions is compulsory for Muslims in some states and optional in others. Non-Muslims are not required in any state to submit to Shari'a jurisdiction, although in some states they have the option, which may work to a defendant's advantage when the penalty under Shari'a is less severe than under civil law. Although several northern state governments continued to ban public proselytizing to avoid ethno-religious violence, some proselytizing groups remained active despite these formal bans, which generally were enforced on a case-by-case basis. The law does not require students to receive instruction in a religion other than their own; however, the Ministry of Education requires public school students throughout the country to undergo either Islamic or Christian religious instruction. State authorities claimed that students were permitted not to attend classes taught in a religion other than their own, and that students may request a teacher of their own religion to provide alternative instruction. However, there were often no teachers of "Christian Religious Knowledge" in many northern schools or of Muslim Religious Knowledge" in some southern schools. No further action was taken in the 2003 incident in which members of the Moslem Students of Nigeria organization were charged with public disturbance after they invaded primary and secondary schools in Oyo State. Although distribution of religious publications was generally unrestricted, the government sporadically enforced a ban against broadcasting religious advertisements on state-owned radio and television stations."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

The law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other practices ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17284]

"The law prohibits religious discrimination in employment and other practices; however, private businesses frequently discriminated on the basis of religion or ethnicity in their hiring practices and purchasing patterns. In nearly all states, ethnic rivalries between "indigenous" and "settlers" led to some societal discrimination against minority ethnic and religious groups. Religious differences often mirrored regional and ethnic differences. For example persons in the North and in parts of the Middle Belt were overwhelmingly Muslim and from the large Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups that tended to dominate these areas. Many southern ethnic groups were predominantly Christian. In many areas of the Middle Belt, Muslim Fulani tended to be pastoralists, while the Muslim Hausa and most Christian ethnic groups tended to be farmers or to work in urban areas. Consequently ethnic, regional, economic, and land use competition and confrontations often coincided with religious differences between the competing groups (see section 5). It was not unusual for two ethnic groups with a long history of conflict to have adopted different religions, with the effect of exacerbating existing tensions."

Document(s): Open document

08.03.2006 - Source: US Department of State

Societal discrimination on the basis of religion and ethnicity remain widespread ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2005") [#46036],  [ID 17409]

"The law prohibits discrimination based on community, place of origin, ethnic group, sex, religion, or political opinion; however, customary and religious discrimination against women persisted, societal discrimination on the basis of both religion and ethnicity remained widespread, and ethnic and regional tensions continued to contribute to serious violence both between citizens and the security forces and between groups of citizens."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Climate of fear prevented Nigerians from fully enjoying their rights to practice and manifest their religion ("Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir; Mission to Nigeria [E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.2]") [#43285],  [ID 15043]

"In many places the climate of fear created by religious tensions and violence has prevented Nigerians from fully enjoying their right to practise and manifest their religion. Freedom of religion or belief, like other human rights, is properly enjoyed where a satisfactory
level of security exists. If one is afraid to leave home to go to church or to go outside in Muslim dress, freedom of religion is restricted even though not directly imposed by the authorities, or even by members of another religious community.

The level of insecurity in certain areas of Nigeria can also be attributed to religious reasons, which makes the right to freedom of religion even more vulnerable. Nigerians can legitimately claim that they do not feel secure to freely practise their religion because they may feel targeted because of their religious identity. The Special Rapporteur notes in this regard that a similar conclusion was reached by the Human Rights Committee in its concluding observations of 24 July 1996, in which it stated that “[i]nter-ethnic and inter-religious violence which persist
in Nigeria appear to affect adversely the enjoyment of rights and freedoms protected by the Covenant”, which includes the right to freedom of religion (CCPR/79/Add.65, para. 6).

For these reasons, and also those related to the adoption of sharia penal codes in several states, the Special Rapporteur is of the opinion that the level of enjoyment of the right to freedom of religion or belief is not satisfactory. Moreover, she is concerned that the increase in religious tensions may further hamper the enjoyment of this right among the Nigerian population."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2005 - Source: UN Human Rights Council (formerly UN Commission on Human Rights)

Religious tensions ("Report of the Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief, Asma Jahangir; Mission to Nigeria [E/CN.4/2006/5/Add.2]") [#43285],  [ID 15082]

"With respect to the religious tensions existing in Nigeria, the Special Rapporteur has noted that while numerous interlocutors claimed that religion per se was not the cause of tension and violence, conflicts have nevertheless unfolded along religious lines and that increasingly,
most societal attitudes and behaviours are translated into religious terms, a phenomenon that exacerbates the differences between religions and creates a climate of religious intolerance. The
situation is aggravated by the political manipulation of these differences that is widely claimed to take place. Today, religious identity takes precedence over almost everything else."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2004 - Source: US Department of State

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion; while the Federal Government generally respects religious freedo, in some instances limits were placed on religious activity to address security and public safety concerns ("International Religious Freedom Report 2004") [#26238],  [ID 15044]

"The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, including freedom to change one's religion or belief, and freedom to manifest and propagate one's religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance. While the Federal Government generally respects religious freedom, there were some instances in which limits were placed on religious activity to address security and public safety concerns. [...]

There are 36 states in the country; governors have substantial autonomy in all decisionmaking but derive the vast majority of their resources from the Federal Government. The Constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion; however, some Christians have alleged that Islam has been adopted as a de facto state religion in several northern states, citing the reintroduction of criminal law aspects of Shari'a and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of Kadis (Muslim judges), and pilgrimages to Mecca (hajj). For example, the Governor of Zamfara disbursed public funds to refurbish mosques. However, several states, including northern states, use government revenues to fund Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In general, states, whether dominated by Christians or Muslims, lean toward the faith practiced by the majority of residents."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2004 - Source: US Department of State

12 northern states have adopted at least parts of Shari'a law - Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe ("International Religious Freedom Report 2004") [#26238],  [ID 15045]

"The Constitution provides that states may elect to use Islamic (Shari'a) laws and courts. In 2000 Zamfara State began implementing traditional Shari'a in its entirety, with the exception that apostasy was not criminalized. There are 11 other northern states that have adopted at least parts of Shari'a law—Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe. Adherence to Shari'a provisions is compulsory for Muslims in some states and optional in others. Non-Muslims are not required in any state to submit to Shari'a jurisdiction, though in some states they are given the option, which may work to a defendant's advantage when the penalty under Shari'a is less severe, such as paying a fine rather than a jail sentence under secular law. Defendants have the right to challenge the constitutionality of Shari'a criminal statutes through the secular courts; however, no challenges with adequate legal standing made it through the appellate system during the period covered by this report.

The Constitution also provides for the Federal Government to establish a Federal Shari'a Court of Appeal and a Final Court of Appeal; however, the Government has not yet established such courts. There were no cases involving Shari'a law that reached the federal appellate level during the period covered by this report.

The Federal Government created a committee to draft uniform Shari'a criminal and procedural codes for states adopting Shari'a; there was no progress on the draft during the period covered by this report."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2004 - Source: US Department of State

Several northern state governments continued to ban public proselytizing ("International Religious Freedom Report 2004") [#26238],  [ID 15046]

"Several northern state governments continued to ban public proselytizing to avoid ethno-religious violence. However, some proselytizing groups remained active despite these formal bans, which generally were enforced on a case-by-case basis."

Document(s): Open document

15.09.2004 - Source: US Department of State

Approximately half of the country's population practices Islam, more than 40% are Christians and the remainder practice traditional indigenous religions or no religion ("International Religious Freedom Report 2004") [#26238],  [ID 15063]

"The country has a total area of 356,700 square miles and its population is estimated at 137 million; however, there has not been an accurate census for more than 30 years, and many observers believe that the country's population exceeds this figure. Approximately half of the country's population practices Islam, more than 40 percent practices Christianity, and the remainder practice traditional indigenous religions or no religion. Many persons combine elements of Christianity or Islam with elements of a traditional indigenous religion. The predominant form of Islam in the country is Sunni. The Christian population includes Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians, and a growing number of Evangelical and Pentecostal Christians. Catholics constitute the largest Christian denomination.

There is a strong correlation between religious differences and ethnic and regional diversity. The north, dominated by the large Hausa and Fulani ethnic groups, is predominantly Muslim; however, there are significant numbers of Christians in urban centers of the north. Both Muslims and Christians are found in large numbers in the Middle Belt. In the southwest, where the large Yoruba ethnic group is the majority, there is no dominant religion. Most Yorubas practice either Christianity or Islam, while others continue to practice the traditional Yoruba religion, which includes a belief in a supreme deity and the worship of lesser deities that serve as the supreme deity's agents in aspects of daily life. In the east, where the large Igbo ethnic group is dominant, Catholics and Methodists are the majority, although many Igbos continue to observe traditional rites and ceremonies."

Document(s): Open document

08.2004 - Source: US Commission on International Religious Freedom

Report focused on communal and sectarian violence, discrimination against religious minorities and religious extremism ("Nigeria") [#26360],  [ID 15047]

Document(s): Open document

10.2003 - Source: UK Home Office

Constitution prohibit state and local governments from adopting an official religion ("Country Report - October 2003") [#17332],  [ID 15048]

"6.15 The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, including freedom to change one's religion or belief, and freedom to manifest and propagate one's religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance. However, the Government restricted these rights in practice in certain respects, but only to maintain order, for example where a religious meeting may cause unrest.

6.16 The Constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion; however, it also provides that states may elect to use Islamic (Shari'a) customary law and courts. About half of the population is Muslim, mostly living in the north of the country, about 40% Christian, mostly living in the south, and about 10% practice traditional indigenous religion or no religion. Since independence, the jurisdiction of Shari'a courts has been limited to family or personal law cases involving Muslims, or to civil disputes between Muslims and non-Muslims who consent to the courts' jurisdiction. However, the Constitution states that a Shari'a court of appeal may exercise "such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by the law of the State". Some states have interpreted this language as granting them the right to expand the jurisdiction of existing Shari'a courts to include criminal matters. Christians have alleged that through the adoption of an expanded Shari'a law in several states, the continued use of state funds to fund the construction of mosques, teaching of Alkalis (Muslim judges), and pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj), Islam has been adopted as the de facto state religion of several northern states. However, state funds also are being used to fund Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In general, states with a clear Christian or Muslim majority explicitly favour the majority faith. This is also the case in transactions between individuals and the local government, such as the awarding of contracts for example. There have also been accusations that religious minorities in some states have been denied access to services and police protection in the areas where they live. The Constitution permits the Federal Government to establish a Federal Shari'a Court of Appeal, but it has yet to set up such a Court."

Document(s): Open document

05.2003 - Source: US Commission on International Religious Freedom

Annual report on religious freedom 2003 ("Annual Report of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom") [#13733],  [ID 15049]

Document(s): Open document

31.03.2003 - Source: US Department of State

Ethno-religious violence ("Country Report on Human Rights Practices 2002") [#11802],  [ID 15096]

"The police were unable to control ethno-religious violence on numerous occasions during the year, and the Government continued its reliance on the army to quell many instances of communal violence. (…)Localized discrimination and violence against religious minorities persisted. (…) The Government deployed the army numerous times during the year to restore order when ethno-religious conflicts became violent. (…)Lethal interethnic, intraethnic, and interreligious violence occurred during the year at diminished levels. (…)Open-air religious services away from places of worship remained prohibited in many states due to fears that they might heighten inter-religious tensions. For example, various northern states, including Plateau, Kano, Zamfara, and Kaduna, banned public gatherings immediately following periods of ethno-religious violence, but they did so in consultation with a number of religious and traditional groups, as well as local governments, in order to prevent a recurrence of the violence."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Persons detained for religious affiliation ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15050]

"Authorities arrested and detained several religious leaders during the period covered by this report. In August 2001, security agents arrested and detained for 27 days without charge Sheik Yakubu Musa, a Katsina-based Islamic scholar; the Abuja High Court later ordered his release.

On March 2, 2002, State Security Service (SSS) detained and interrogated for 16 hours Pastor Tunde Bakare after he returned to the country from Ghana; he was released without charge. Bakare allegedly prophesied the fall of the Obasanjo government and left the country to avoid the anticipated chaos. Media reports claiming that his passport was confiscated could not be verified.

On March 7, 2002, in Enugu State, police raided the site of a weekly crusade led by charismatic Catholic priest Father Ejike Mbaka and allegedly released a gas, causing a stampede; at least 14 persons were killed and several others were seriously injured. The police later detained Enugu Vicar General Reverand Obiora Ike, allegedly for criticizing the incident. The state government reportedly had warned Father Mbaka to stop publicly criticizing it."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

12 northern states adopted variations of the Sharia law ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15051]

"The Constitution provides that states may elect to use Islamic (Shari'a) customary law and courts. Until the reintroduction of criminal Shari'a by Zamfara State in 2000, the jurisdiction of Shari'a courts, which are part of the regular court system, had been limited to family or personal law cases involving Muslims, or to civil disputes between Muslims who consent to the courts' jurisdiction. However, the Constitution states that a Shari'a court of appeal may exercise "such other jurisdiction as may be conferred upon it by the law of the State." Some states have interpreted this language as granting them the right to expand the jurisdiction of existing Shari'a courts to include criminal matters. In 1999 the governor of Zamfara State, Ahmed Sani, signed a bill that established Shari'a courts and courts of appeal in Zamfara State, and another bill that constituted the Shari'a penal code; the bills took effect in 2000. Zamfara's law adopted traditional Shari'a in its entirety, with the exception that apostasy was not criminalized. Other Muslim communities, particularly from Kano, Niger, Sokoto, Jigawa, Borno, Yobe, Kaduna, and Katsina states, began to echo the call for Shari'a in their states.

By the end of the period covered by this report, 12 northern states had adopted variations of Shari'a law--Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, Bauchi, Borno, and Gombe. According to media reports, elements of the large Muslim minority of Oyo State have called for the implementation of elements of civil Shari'a; however, the Government has not responded. Adherence to the new Shari'a provisions is compulsory for Muslims in some states and optional in others.

On November 2, 2001, Kaduna State implemented a modified version of Shari'a law. According to state Governor Ahmed Makarfi, Islamic punishments will not be incorporated into the criminal code in Kaduna, as has happened in several other northern states."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Implementation of Sharia rules have had little impact on Christian minorities in northern states ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15052]

"Although many non-Muslims had feared that the implementation of Shari'a would change their way of life, there has been little or no change in the daily lives of most non-Muslims. While some state and local governments have interpreted the new Shari'a laws stringently, the majority have interpreted their laws differently and implemented them with moderation. [...] Although the expanded Shari'a laws technically do not apply to non-Muslims, the non-Muslim minority, especially in Zamfara State, has been subjected to certain social provisions of the laws, such as the separation of the sexes in health facilities; bans on the sale of alcohol and alcohol consumption; and decisions by some entrepreneurs not to engage in certain activities out of concern for Shari'a restrictions. Niger State also has enforced a ban on the selling of alcohol. Consumption of alcohol by non-Muslims has not been criminalized; however, its sale and public consumption have been restricted throughout most of the north, except on Federal Government installations such as military and police barracks. In Zamfara State, a law to segregate sexes in public transportation was repealed after 2 weeks; however, segregation still occurred in some cases. Christian associations have arranged for private transportation services for Christian women so that they are not forced to wait for female only transportation provided by the Zamfara State government."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Proselytising banned in many northern states ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15053]

"Following nationwide Shari'a-related violence in 2000, many northern states banned public proselytizing, although it is permitted by the Constitution. The Katsina and Plateau state governments enacted and maintained a ban on public proselytizing for security reasons during the period covered by this report; however, some groups have been allowed to carry out activities despite the formal bans, which were enforced on a case-by-case basis. Some states allowed some public proselytizing by Christians and Muslims. Missionaries reported that law enforcement officials harassed them when they proselytized outside of their designated zones. Both Christian and Muslim organizations alleged that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Immigration Department restricted the entry into the country of certain religious practitioners, particularly persons suspected of intending to proselytize. Proselytizing did not appear to be restricted in the southern part of the country. Many missionary groups also have noted bureaucratic delays and obstruction and attempts to extort money for the processing of necessary residence permits for foreigners; however, many foreign businesses and other nonreligious organizations also have encountered similar difficulties."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Death penalty sought for conversion; judge finds that Zamfara State Shari'a code does not criminalize explicitly apostasy ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15054]

"There were media reports that in April 2002, two men were accused of converting from Islam to Christianity. Prosecutors sought the death penalty; however, the judge found that the Zamfara State Shari'a code did not criminalize explicitly apostasy, and therefore he had no legal basis to decide the case. He also gave the men 3 days to reconsider their decision to convert to Christianity and for the Zamfara Government to respond. The men are accused of joining the Great Commission movement, an evangelical church; however, the men claim that they never were Muslims but were Magazawa, a Hausa subgroup that long has practiced Christianity."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Freedom of religion and religious discrimination in Nigeria ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15055]

"The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, including freedom to change one's religion or belief, and freedom to manifest and propagate one's religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance, and while the Federal Government generally respects religious freedom, there were some instances in which limits were placed on religious activity in order to address security and public safety concerns. Some state governments restricted these rights in practice in certain respects.

The Constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion; however, some Christians have alleged that Islam has been adopted as the de facto state religion of several northern states, citing the reintroduction of Shari'a criminal law and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of Alkalis (Muslim judges), and pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj). However, state funds also are used to fund Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In general states with a clear Christian or Muslim majority overtly favor the majority faith. There are 36 states in the country; governors have substantial autonomy in decision-making but derive the vast majority of their resources from the Federal Government. Both the Federal and state governments are involved in religious matters, including the regulation of mandatory religious instruction in public schools, subsidized construction of churches and mosques, state-sponsored participation in the Hajj, and pilgrimages to Jerusalem."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Discrimination on the basis of religious faith or affiliation ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15056]

"The law prohibits religious discrimination; however, government officials sometimes discriminated against persons practicing a religion different religion than their own, notably in hiring practices and in the awarding of state contracts."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Ethno-religious violence in the city of Kano ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15097]

"On October 12, 2001, 600 to 1,000 Muslims peacefully demonstrated in Kano against U.S. and allied air strikes against Afghanistan. Several hours after the conclusion of the demonstration, rioting broke out in the largest marketplace in the city of Kano. While sparked initially by street thugs, the violence later took on religious and ethnic overtones. A number of churches and three mosques reportedly were burned during the fighting. The following morning, a mob of predominantly Hausa youths attacked shopkeepers and looted shops in the city's major market. During the riots, 100 persons were killed. The army was called out to restore order. Some citizens alleged that the army and police used excessive and lethal force and that several deaths came at the hands of the security forces. Many Igbo and Yoruba residents sent their families south following the violence. In November 2001, police reportedly arrested and charged more than 200 persons in connection with the violence; according to the head of the police in Kano State, 150 persons were taken to court. After order was restored, Governor Kwankwaso held a series of meetings with local ethnic and religious leaders to stem further outbreaks and to rebuild trust between the communities.
On November 3 and 4, 2001, in Gwantu, Kaduna State, at least 10 persons reportedly were killed during fighting, which resulted from a long-standing dispute between rival local leaders that degenerated into violence due to the introduction of a modified form of criminal Shari'a law."

Document(s): Open document

07.10.2002 - Source: US Department of State

2,300 persons killed in ethno-religious violence in Jos; 80 percent of the victims were Hausa Muslims ("International Religious Freedom Report 2002") [#8895],  [ID 15098]

"The most significant incident occurred between September 7 and 13, 2001, when 2,300 persons were killed in ethno-religious violence in Jos. It is unclear how the unrest began; however, the appointment of an ethnic Hausa to the chairmanship of a local Poverty Alleviation Program had increased tensions and accompanied earlier violence between Christian Sayewa and Muslim Hausa in Tafawa Balewa, Bauchi, only 37 miles away. There also were reports of summary executions of Hausa in outlying villages. Approximately 80 percent of the victims in Jos were Hausa Muslims, who constitute a significant minority in Jos. The military was able to restore order; however, thousands of Hausas fled Plateau State for Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Bauchi. This conflict appears to have been primarily ethnic and secondarily religious. Christians of different groups were reported to have attacked each other, and Yoruba Muslims reportedly attacked Hausa Muslims. According to the Nigerian Red Cross, approximately 11,600 persons were displaced internally. Although the crisis in Jos had religious overtones, it was precipitated, at least partially, by indigenous ethnic groups attempting deny Hausa "immigrants" access to the resources of Plateau State, even though immigrant Hausa settlers originally founded Jos."

Document(s): Open document

17.09.2002 - Source: BBC News

Risk of religious violence toward 2003 elections [ID 15065]

"At least 10,000 people have died in communal or religious violence across the country over the last three years.
For the most part these have been localised disputes, but there are increasing fears that such clashes could ignite reprisal actions elsewhere in the country.
Of particular concern are the tensions between the country's Christian and Muslim communities, which politicians may seek to exploit in their struggle for political power ahead of the elections.
These religious tensions have severely worsened following the introduction of harsh Islamic punishments in the country's northern states over the past two years.
Christians are technically exempt from these punishments, which include amputation of limbs for theft and stoning to death for adultery.
But the increasing Islamisation of political structures in the north has provoked a great deal of unease among the substantial minority of Christians in northern cities who increasingly fear for their security."

Document(s): Open document

10.06.2002 - Source: Schweizerische Flüchtlingshilfe

Christians in northern regions complain that the 12 states with Muslim majorities proclaimed Islam de facto to be state religion ("Nordnigeria, Update Mai 2002 ") [#8103],  [ID 15057]

"ChristInnen im Norden hingegen beschweren sich, dass die zwölf mehrheitlich muslimischen Gliedstaaten de facto den Islam zur Staatsreligion ausgerufen haben, was die nigerianische Verfassung explizit untersagt. Die Gliedstaaten stellen Gelder für den Bau von Moscheen und für Pilgerreisen zur Verfügung. Der Religionsunterricht wird für obligatorisch erklärt, ohne dass für die Minderheitenreligion ein entsprechendes Angebot existieren würde. Diese einseitige Begünstigung einer Religion an der Schule ist de jure häufig auf der Ebene der Gliedstaaten sogar untersagt. Allerdings findet sich eine analoge Bevorzugung der Mehrheitsreligion auch in den Staaten mit christlichen Mehrheiten. Im Norden behaupten die ChristInnen, dass durch die Zonenplanung der Bau von Kirchen ver- oder zumindest behindert werde. Zudem bestünden Einschränkungen für den Landerwerb."

Document(s): Open document

05.2002 - Source:

SFH: Proselytizing banned in Northern Nigeria ("SFH: Nordnigeria, Update June 2002") [ID 15058]

Document(s): SFH: Nordnigeria, Update June 2002

05.2002 - Source:

SFH: Proselytizing banned in Northern Nigeria ("SFH: Nordnigeria, Update May 2001") [ID 15058]

Document(s): SFH: Nordnigeria, Update May 2001

04.03.2002 - Source: US Department of State

The Government restricts freedom of religion in certain respects ("Annual report 2001") [#5760],  [ID 15059]

"The Government restricts freedom of religion in certain respects. The implementation of an expanded version of Shari'a law in 12 northern states continued, which challenged constitutional protections for religious freedom and occasionally sparked ethno-religious violence."

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2002 - Source: US Department of State

The Constitution provides for freedom of religion ("Annual report 2001") [#5760],  [ID 15060]

"The Constitution provides for freedom of religion, including freedom to change one's religion or belief, and freedom to manifest and propagate one's religion or belief in worship, teaching, practice, and observance; however, the Government restricted these rights in certain respects. The implementation of an expanded version of Shari'a law in 12 northern states continued, which challenged constitutional protections for religious freedom and occasionally sparked ethno-religious violence.
The Constitution prohibits state and local governments from adopting an official religion; however, some Christians have alleged that Islam has been adopted as the de facto state religion of several northern states, given the reintroduction of Shari'a criminal law, and the continued use of state resources to fund the construction of mosques, the teaching of Alkalis (Muslim judges), and pilgrimages to Mecca (Hajj). However, state funds also are used to fund Christian pilgrimages to Jerusalem. In general states with a clear Christian or Muslim majority explicitly favor the majority faith. There are 36 states in the country; governors have autonomy in decision-making but derive their resources from the federal Government. Both the federal and state governments are involved in religious matters, including the regulation of mandatory religious instruction in public schools, subsidized construction of churches and mosques, state-sponsored participation in the Hajj, and pilgrimages to Jerusalem. Approximately half of the population is Muslim, approximately 40 percent Christian, and approximately 10 percent practice traditional indigenous religion or no religion."

Document(s): Open document

04.03.2002 - Source: US Department of State

Religious differences often correspond to regional and ethnic differences ("Annual report 2001") [#5760],  [ID 15066]

"Religious differences often correspond to regional and ethnic differences. For example, the northern region is predominately Muslim. Many southern ethnic groups are predominantly Christian, although the Yoruba are approximately 50 percent Muslim. Both Muslims and Christians are found in large numbers in the Middle Belt. In many areas of the Middle Belt, Muslim Fulani tend to be pastoralists, while the Muslim Hausa and most Christian ethnic groups tend more toward farming or urban living. Consequently it often is difficult to distinguish religious discrimination and tension from ethnic, regional, economic, and land use competition. Religious tensions underscored what were predominantly ethnic confrontations throughout the year. During the past 2 years, the middle-belt has experienced recurring ethno-religious violence."

Document(s): Open document

16.01.2002 - Source: Human Rights Watch

Sharia criminal law has consequences on Christian minorities in northern states ("World report 2002") [#5281],  [ID 15061]

"While government officials repeatedly stated that Sharia law only applied to Muslims, it inevitably had consequences for Christians living in the northern states. On several occasions, civilian groups attacked establishments owned by Christians and destroyed consignments of alcohol. Rules such as those that forbid women from traveling with men in public vehicles were applied to Christians as well as Muslims. In January, a group claiming to enforce Sharia flogged a Christian man for selling alcohol."

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2001 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Government restricted religious freedom in certain respects with regard to the implementation of Shari’a law by some northern states (""Profile of internal displacement: Nigeria"") [#4825],  [ID 15062]

"• Displacement is caused by religious conflicts between Christians and Muslims in the north, which also take on an ethnic character
• The worsening social security situation in Nigeria pushes many people in religious sects, which are conservative and approve of holy wars as a mean to ends
• Constitutionally, there is freedom of religion, however, the government restricted this in certain respects with regard to the implementation of Shari’a law by some northern states
• In October 1999, Zamfara state instituted Islamic Shari’a law in its entirety, after which other states followed
• Despite an agreement by the Nigerian Council of State on 29 February 2000, following nationwide religious violence, to halt initiatives to expand Shari’a laws, some states continued to expand these"

Document(s): Open document

28.11.2001 - Source: Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre (formerly Global IDP Project)

Displacement-generating conflicts occur mainly in the north of the country between Muslims and Christians (""Profile of internal displacement: Nigeria"") [#4825],  [ID 15067]

"This type of displacement-generating conflict occurs mainly in the north of the country between Muslims and Christians. Since the north is predominantly Muslim, their Christian adversaries tend to belong to other ethnic groups, usually from the south of the country. The result is that these conflicts, though primarily religious, also take on an ethnic character. In recent times, there have been major religious conflicts in Kano, Bauchi, Yola, Kaduna and other cities in the north. Sometimes, radical Muslim sects like the Maitatsine group initiate these conflicts, targeting both Christians and more liberal Muslim sects. There is little doubt that the worsening social security situation in Nigeria is leading more and more people into revivalist and millennarian sects in both the Muslim and Christian religions. They are not only ultra conservative in approach but accept holy wars as divinely ordained."

Document(s):