UN special rapporteur begins assessment on religious freedom in Kano

…as governor assures religion inclusiveness

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State has reaffirmed his Administration’s commitment to promoting religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the protection of the constitutional rights of all residents to practise their faith without discrimination.

The governor made the declaration while receiving the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Professor Nazila Ghanea, who led a delegation on an official visit to Kano as part of a nationwide assessment of religious freedom in Nigeria.

A statement issued on Monday by Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Director General of Media and Publicity, Government House Kano, said the governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Farouk Ibrahim, welcomed the UN delegation and reiterated Kano’s longstanding reputation for religious harmony.

According to the governor, people of different faiths have continued to live together peacefully in the state, guided by mutual respect, understanding and shared values that promote unity.

Abba Kabir Yusuf said his Administration had consistently supported policies and institutions aimed at strengthening social cohesion, protecting justice and safeguarding the constitutional rights of every citizen irrespective of religious affiliation.

He added that the State Government remains committed to encouraging dialogue among religious groups and resolving emerging challenges through lawful and inclusive mechanisms that foster peace and stability.

The governor stressed that traditional institutions, religious leaders and community stakeholders play critical roles in sustaining harmony and preventing conflicts capable of undermining peaceful coexistence in the State.

He also assured the visiting delegation of Kano State’s readiness to collaborating with national and international organisations working to advance human rights, religious freedom and respect for cultural and religious diversity.

Speaking during the visit, Nazila Ghanea explained that the mission was designed to assess the State of freedom of religion or belief in Nigeria, including constitutional and institutional protections available to religious communities as well as challenges affecting their rights.

She said the delegation was also examining the role of traditional practices, cases of religious discrimination where they exist and measures being implemented to strengthen interfaith understanding and peaceful relations among communities.

The UN delegation held discussions with senior government officials and other stakeholders on initiatives aimed at promoting mutual respect, protecting fundamental freedoms and deepening social harmony across the state.

Abba Kabir Yusuf expressed appreciation to the United Nations Human Rights Council for selecting Kano as one of the states for the assessment visit, reaffirming his administration’s determination to preserve the state’s legacy of religious tolerance, unity and peaceful coexistence.