The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja reiterated its call on all militant groups to ceasefire and come forward for dialogue.

Vice President Namadi Sambo made the call at a National Symposium, organised by Nasirul-Lahi-Faith Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) with the theme: "Islam and Peaceful Co-Existence in a Contemporary Multi-Religious Society."

"It is clear today that the terrorist attacks are clearly against all segments of our society, which is uncalled for.

"I must seize this opportunity to call on all the groups to ceasefire and come forward for dialogue. Government is ready to discuss.

"History has proven that even wars that are fought for decades, at the end, are concluded only by dialogue. "

Sambo expressed concern over the activities of some groups whose activities portrayed Islam in a negative and evil light, saying: "I am not aware of any religion in the world that encourages unprovoked and relentless attack on other people. "

He said that government was doing all it could to tackle the menace of insecurity occasioned by the activities of militant groups across the country.

Sambo gave the assurance that the activities of militant groups in the country would not jeopardise government's effort at stimulating Foreign Direct Investment (FDIs).

"Our desire to propel Foreign Direct Investment cannot be jeopardised Insha Allah. We are therefore extending our hands of friendship to our foreign friends with genuine intentions to come and do business in Nigeria.

"We assure them that our effort at tackling this menace is real and determined. Let me also appeal to foreign missions in the country to continue to support our efforts in this direction.

"Such gesture will not only be appreciated, but will go a long way in strengthening the cordial relationship mutually shared by our countries. "

The vice-president commended the organisers of the symposium, saying that it would help educate the public on the Islamic view of peaceful co-existence and the concept of Jihad.

He enumerated the milestone the Goodluck Jonathan-led government had made toward ensuring the success of the Transformation Agenda, to include improved electricity supply; education and transportation system.

In his remark, the Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Sa'ad Abubakar, averred that the search for peace and mutual coexistence remained one of the greatest challenges facing the country.

According to him, impunity has become the order of the day, while the values of tolerance and moderation which provided the bedrock of Nigeria's religious and collective existence are being trampled on.

"Much worse, the disregard for human life has not only become rampant, but is increasingly glamourised. "

The Sultan enjoined the Muslim Ummah to strive at all times to discharge their responsibilities seriously and effectively and to promote moderation and toleration in the society.

"We must equally open effective channels of dialogue with all segments of society, including those who hold contrary opinions to that of our own.

"We must endeavour to resist the urge for exhibitionism and brinkmanship.

"We must, as a nation, develop a collective consciousness where the pain of any member of our society regardless of creed and ethnic origin, shall be the collective pain of all of us."

He commended NASFAT for its laudable socio-economic activities in the country.

The National President of NASFAT, Alhaji Sheriff Yussuf, had earlier explained that the symposium was being organised to help find solutions to the current security challenges in country.

"Just as NASFAT responded in 2005 with a National Discourse on Corruption when our collective image as a people was being soiled by the scourge, this platform today is intended to cleanse the seeming public mindset that the orchestrated scheme of terrors had been a campaign being perpetrated by Muslims to impose Islam on the country or as a mark of hatred against people of other faiths. "