Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership Inaugural Dialogue Communique, published on 2 February 2022, what estimate she has made the amount of UK funding allocated in (a) 2021-22, (b) 2022-23 and (c) future years to (i) policing reform in Nigeria, (ii) stabilisation, civil-military cooperation and peacebuilding in Nigeria, (iii) training for the Nigerian military on International Humanitarian Law, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and the protection of civilians, (iv) training on human rights, and sexual and gender-based violence for the police in North East Nigeria, (v) technical advice and experience sharing in relation to efficiency, fairness and efficacy in justice for victims of conflict and for those accused of terrorism offences, (vi) training and the deployment of specialist advisors in relation to taking into account gender perspectives during security operations, (vii) training and capacity building support for Nigeria’s efforts to address terrorist and other insurgent forces in the North East region, (viii) building maritime capabilities and supporting on port security, (ix) delivery of a new Prevent Pilot programme to address the drivers and enablers of Serious and Organised Crime, (x) delivery of kidnapping management and negotiation courses and sponsoring a National Kidnap Conference in Nigeria, (xi) partnership working to tackle illicit financial flows and strengthening cooperation on asset return and (xii) support and training on aviation security.

At the inaugural UK-Nigeria Security and Defence dialogue, held between 31st January and 2nd February in London, the UK and Nigeria agreed future cooperation to respond to shared threats, and to support Nigerian efforts to tackle a range of security and human rights challenges. That cooperation and support includes provision of technical assistance, advice, and training, some of which will be provided by in-country UK Government officials, and some delivered through programming.

Our Conflict, Stability and Security Fund (CSSF) Lake Chad Basin programme will support many of the commitments in the dialogue communique, including those on police reform, stabilisation and civil-military cooperation, human rights training for the military and police, including on sexual and gender-based violence, and training and capacity-building support for Nigeria's efforts to respond to terrorism. Our Lake Chad Basin programme is worth £15.65 million between FY 2021 - 22.

The Ministry of Defence, National Crime Agency, Home Office, and Department for Transport will, through their programmes, also support commitments made at the dialogue.

We regularly raise insecurity and human rights in Nigeria with the Nigerian Government. On 1 February, I discussed insecurity with National Security Advisor Monguno, as part of the dialogue. We will continue to urge and support the Nigerian Government to take action to implement long-term solutions that address the root causes of violence.