Nonreligious Community Accuses Nigerian Government of Systemic Bias, Petitions U.S. Embassy for Intervention

The Nonreligious Community of Nigeria has formally petitioned the Federal Ministry of Education and the United States Embassy in Abuja, alleging entrenched discrimination against citizens who identify as atheists, humanists, agnostics, and other nonreligious groups.

In separate submissions dated November 19 and signed by National Coordinator Ikechukwu Obasi, the organisation accused Nigerian authorities of operating policies that marginalise irreligious citizens, particularly within the education system. It argued that compulsory Christian and Islamic Religious Studies in the newly approved 2025 national curriculum violate constitutional guarantees of freedom of thought and belief.

The group criticised the absence of a secular alternative such as Critical Thinking Studies, insisting that forcing nonreligious students into religious instruction undermines inclusive education and entrenches stigma. It urged the government to adopt a nationwide secular option in line with global best practices and UNESCO’s guidelines on educational diversity.

The second petition, delivered to the U.S. Embassy, asked American lawmakers to recognise what the group describes as the “unseen persecution” of nonbelievers as U.S. Congress prepares to hold a hearing on religious freedom in Nigeria. The petition highlighted cases including the prolonged detention of Mubarak Bala, alleged intimidation of activist Abraham Daniel, and multiple attacks targeting irreligious individuals, particularly in northern Nigeria.

According to Obasi, discussions on religious persecution often ignore nonbelievers, despite their vulnerability. He called for international stakeholders to ensure that freedom from religion is acknowledged alongside freedom of religion.

The organisation reiterated its mission to promote equal treatment, protect rights of belief and non-belief, and push for secular governance in a country where, despite constitutional provisions, religious influence remains deeply embedded in state institutions.