COVENANT AND COMMUNAL IDENTITY: BIBLICAL FOUNDATIONS FOR UNITY IN A RELIGIOUSLY AND ETHNICALLY DIVIDED NIGERIA

Abstract

Nigeria’s socio-political history has been marred by deep-seated ethno-religious divisions, often exacerbated by the absence of a unifying ideological or theological framework that can foster national integration. The study addressed this challenge by examining the biblical themes of covenant and communal identity as theological resources for promoting unity in Nigeria. The objective was to explore how covenantal theology and the concept of communal identity, as rooted in Scripture, could provide ethical and spiritual models for building inclusive and reconciled communities. A qualitative research design was adopted for this study. Data were collected through textual analysis of biblical texts and relevant theological literature, as well as through case studies of interfaith initiatives and peacebuilding efforts in Nigeria. The data were analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings revealed that the biblical covenant emphasises mutual responsibility, justice, and divine faithfulness, while communal identity encourages inclusive belonging beyond ethnic or religious lines. These concepts were found to be applicable in addressing sectarianism, political polarisation, and the breakdown of national cohesion. The study recommended the integration of covenantal ethics in theological education, civic curriculum reforms, and the establishment of interfaith collaborations grounded in shared moral values. The study concludes that a covenantal approach to unity in Nigeria is both theologically sound and practically viable, offering a transformative framework for national reconciliation and peacebuilding.