Nigeria: Religious Freedom
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what outcomes were agreed during the UK Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief’s visit to Nigeria in May 2026.
Answered by Chris Elmore
During his visit to Nigeria in May 2026, the UK's Special Envoy for Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB), David Smith MP, met senior Nigerian government representatives, including the National Security Adviser, Governor of Plateau State and Minister for Information. He engaged a broad cross-section of senior Muslim and Christian religious leaders including the Sultan of Sokoto and President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and Nigerian-led civil society and peacebuilding partners.
Discussions highlighted the importance of interfaith engagement in addressing violence affecting individuals of all religions or beliefs, alongside wider drivers including land, resource and ethnic tensions. The Special Envoy also raised concerns about the misuse of blasphemy and Sharia laws, including the cases of Yahiya Sharif Aminu and Deborah Samuel, and observed examples of peaceful inter-religious coexistence. The UK will continue working with the Nigerian government and international partners to protect FoRB for individuals of all faiths or beliefs in Nigeria.
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