Introduction Nigeria, a country of vast diversity, rich culture, and vibrant religious beliefs, has long struggled with the divisive nature of religion in its politics. The repeated cycles of religious and ethnic tension often stem from lawmakers using their platforms to champion sectarian agendas. For Nigeria to reach its full potential, the nation must transcend religious biases and construct a governance framework that prioritizes inclusivity, neutrality, and true national identity. Lawmakers in particular have a responsibility to avoid promoting bills with overt religious influences in the halls of the Nigerian National Assembly, as such bills deepen divisions and detract from the country's collective progress.   Discouraging Religious Agendas in Governance A fundamental issue in Nigerian governance is the tendency of leaders to use public office to advance their personal or religious beliefs. As Chinua Achebe once said, “The trouble with Nigeria is simply and squarely a failure of leadership.” This failure becomes evident when officials, entrusted with the welfare of all Nigerians, pursue policies that favour certain groups based on religious affiliation. When elected representatives use their authority to promote bills with religious undertones, they risk alienating sections of the population and eroding trust in public institutions. To ensure a progressive Nigeria, lawmakers must embrace a new standard of neutrality, where policies and bills are presented purely for the national interest, without regard to religious colouration. They should promote bills that unify rather than divide, placing the needs of Nigerians above sectarian interests.   The Importance of a Neutral National Platform Nigeria is blessed with a rich tapestry of faiths, with Christianity, Islam, and traditional beliefs coexisting alongside various other ideologies. However, this diversity should serve as a strength, not a source of division. The national stage, especially the National Assembly, should be a place where the values of unity, equality, and inclusivity reign supreme, not a venue for advancing personal beliefs. If each religious group were to impose its doctrines through national policies, the very fabric of Nigerian unity would be at risk. As Nelson Mandela once said, “No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love.” Nigerian lawmakers, therefore, have an obligation to foster harmony, introducing legislation that embodies values beneficial to all Nigerians rather than advancing the agenda of any one religious group. Building a Secular Legal Framework For Nigeria to rise above sectarianism, its legal framework must reflect an identity free of religious affiliations. This means lawmakers should actively discourage any bill with religious references. Laws inspired by religious principles can benefit everyone when they are redefined within a secular, national context. For instance, moral principles from any faith - like justice, compassion, or integrity - can be incorporated without explicitly referencing their religious origins. An example is financial practices: while Islamic finance offers ethical guidelines on interest-free lending, creating "Islamic banks" by name in Nigeria risks alienating non-Muslims. Instead, the National Assembly could craft neutral financial regulations that embody these ethical principles for the benefit of all Nigerians, regardless of faith. This approach would avoid reinforcing religious divides while promoting values that align with Nigeria’s aspirations for equity and fairness. Rejecting Bills with Religious Labels in the National Assembly To foster a truly unified Nigeria, lawmakers must abandon the habit of pushing for laws with religious identities. Bills that include terms like "Christian law," "Sharia law," or similar labels should be discouraged in the National Assembly, as such terms polarize rather than unify. By avoiding the promotion of religious ideologies in the guise of laws, lawmakers create space for policies that reflect a national identity rather than a sectarian one. The legal identity of Nigeria should be one that embodies universal human values, stripped of religious references, so that laws serve all citizens equally. The Assembly should be a beacon of neutrality and progress, with each bill evaluated not by its religious alignment but by its potential to advance Nigeria’s development and unity.   The Role of Lawmakers in Setting an Example for Unity Lawmakers have a unique responsibility to champion unity by setting an example of impartiality. Their actions must inspire trust among Nigerians by showing that public office is not a platform for personal beliefs but a call to serve all citizens without bias. As public figures, they have the power to influence the country’s social fabric positively by refraining from religiously coloured legislation and instead promoting bills that contribute to Nigeria’s progress and inclusivity. When lawmakers prioritize national over sectarian interests, they strengthen Nigeria’s collective identity. By consistently rejecting religiously motivated bills, they reaffirm the idea that governance is about equal service for all Nigerians. Conclusion The Nigeria we want to see is a nation of equality, unity, and progress. To achieve this, our leaders - especially lawmakers - must move beyond religious biases and cultivate a legal system that is neutral, inclusive, and unifying. By rejecting bills with religious colouration in the National Assembly, lawmakers can set a precedent for impartial governance and create an environment where all Nigerians feel represented and respected.   https://youtu.be/2xO9FsQ9kVs?si=W7bWFtNGCEqHBHQx   A truly inclusive Nigeria will thrive when lawmakers put the nation first, crafting policies that benefit all rather than serving specific religious groups. By working together, devoid of religious affiliations, Nigerians can build a future where religious beliefs enrich personal lives without infiltrating public policy.