Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with his Nigerian counterparts on (a) religious freedom and (b) violence against Christians in that country.

Insecurity in Nigeria is detrimental to the country's diverse communities, including Christians, and undermining freedom of religion or belief. I [Andrew Mitchell] discussed the effects of insecurity on communities with President Tinubu in December 2022. Additionally, in July 2022, at the UK's Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief, the Nigerian High Commissioner reiterated his Government's commitment to freedom of religion or belief. Our High Commission in Nigeria regularly engages with Nigerian officials and local communities on this. We will continue to encourage the Nigerian Government to assist affected communities and implement long-term solutions.