Landmark Abuja Closeout: SFCG Transfers National FoRB Hotline to Human Rights Commission. By Raymond Enoch
Nigeria’s drive to protect religious freedom reached a decisive milestone as stakeholders gathered at the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) Hall in Abuja Nigeria for the National Closeout of the Promoting and Protecting Freedom of Religion and Belief (PP-FoRB) Project.
The event, funded by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, drew representatives from government institutions, civil society, faith-based organisations, youth advocates, media practitioners, and human rights groups to celebrate three years of impactful, community-centered interventions promoting tolerance, dignity, and peaceful coexistence.
The highpoint of the closeout ceremony was the official handover of Nigeria’s national toll-free hotline for freedom of religion or belief matters — 0800-000-2233 / 7224 — from the Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). The transfer signifies a strategic step toward sustainability, enabling continued reporting, documentation, and redress for victims of FoRB violations across the country.
Speakers at the event commended the PP-FoRB project for strengthening national capacity to address religious discrimination, prevent conflict, and support vulnerable communities. Emotional testimonies were shared by beneficiaries who described how the initiative transformed their work, expanded advocacy networks, and empowered local peace champions in sensitive communities.
In closing, organisers expressed deep appreciation to the Embassy of the Netherlands in Nigeria for its financial support, technical partnership, and unwavering commitment to advancing religious freedom and human rights nationwide.
With the institutionalisation of the hotline and renewed collaboration among stakeholders, the PP-FoRB legacy is expected to continue shaping national conversations on tolerance, accountability, and interfaith harmony in Nigeria.
