Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps he has taken to help tackle the persecution of and violence against (a) Christians and (b) other minorities in Nigeria.

Insecurity is undermining freedom of religion or belief for all communities in Nigeria. I [Andrew Mitchell] raised the effects of rising insecurity on communities with Nigerian President-elect Tinubu, in December 2022. At a federal level, we have provided technical assistance for the establishment of the Peace and Inclusive Security Initiative of the Nigeria Governors' Forum, which helps tackle intercommunal violence. The UK is also funding peacebuilding projects in several Nigerian states which support community reconciliation by training peace ambassadors and faith leaders. Helping Nigeria tackle violence against civilians will remain a focus of the UK-Nigeria Security and Defence Partnership. The UK Government will continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to assist affected communities and implement long-term solutions.