Reexamining the Causes and Implications of Religious Intolerance on Social and Political Development in Nigeria

Religion is a platform of peaceful co-existence, but when religious beliefs are paired with religious intolerance and people act on that intolerance, religion can take a turn towards violence and destruction of lives and properties.This research has examined and discussed the causes and implications of religious intolerance on social and political development in Nigeria.The research employed qualitative survey method where physical interview is used as the primary sources for data.The findings revealed that there is high level of religious intolerance in Nigeria.The research identified the major factors responsible for the causes of religious intolerance such as poverty and unemployment, tribalism and corruption and lack of good preaching methodology.It also examined the implications of religious intolerance on security, economic growth, social and political stability.It submits that religious intolerance had affected social and political development in Nigeria.It led to insecurity, hardship, crises, hostility and enmity among the adherents of Islam and Christianity in the country.The research recommends that scholars of Islam and Christianity in the country should adopt a good preaching method demonstrated in the real teachings of their scriptures.