INFLUENCE OF RELIGION ON SOCIAL COHESION IN MULTI-ETHNIC COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Research Question: The current study aimed to shed light on the loss of social cohesion among the heterogeneous communities in Nigeria, especially in the context of religious affiliation that is becoming more and more intertwined with ethnic identity and urban settlement patterns to shape social trust, intergroup relations, and collective identity. The research tried to deconstruct the role of religion in cohesion in both Northern and Southern Nigeria and to determine whether religious institutions are more integration agents or division agents. Procedure: Data were obtained using a range of secondary sources, such as textbooks, peer-reviewed journal articles, policy documents, and credible reports based on the qualitative research design based on the Social Identity Theory (Tajfel and Turner, 1979). These were systematically content analysed to draw common themes pertaining to identity politics, spatial segregation and religious mobilisation. Result: The results show that religious identity has significant effect on social categorisation processes, which solidifies in-group solidarity and undermines out-group trust, especially in conflict-prone northern metropolises. The ethno-religious segregation is frequently reflected in the patterns of urban settlement, thus limiting the contact between the groups and making them more suspicious of each other. A relatively tolerant climate is present in Southern Nigeria, but indigene-settler politics and elite manipulation of identity remain a source of cohesion. The religious institutions have two facets: there are those actors who deepen divisions by using politicised rhetoric, and there are those who support reconciliation by interfaith dialogue and community-based peace efforts. Conclusion: Religion is not necessarily divisive or necessarily integrative; the effects of religion depend on governance systems, framing of leadership, and the presence of constructive opportunities of intergroup contact. Recommendation: The paper suggests inclusive city planning, systematic interfaith dialogue, and specific governance reforms to reduce identity-based political manipulation, which will help to promote long-term social cohesion.