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Written question asked by Bob Blackman (Conservative) on Monday, 8 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 10 June 2026. It was answered by Chris Elmore (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Nigeria: Religious Freedom

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions she has had with her Nigerian counterpart on the release of people abducted from churches and improving protection for places of worship in the last three months.

Answer

Since my statement to the House on 27 November 2025 (HWCS1105), we have continued to raise the importance of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) with the Nigerian authorities on a regular basis.

The Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, visited Nigeria in May, where he met with Nigerian Government figures including the National Security Advisor and Minister of Information to discuss promoting interreligious dialogue and tackling the causes of insecurity.

In April, the Minister of State for International Development and Africa, Baroness Chapman, attended the opening of the Nigeria Peace Summit, bringing together senior Muslim and Christian leaders to support Nigerian-led approaches to reducing intercommunal violence.

And earlier this month, Baroness Chapman visited Kaduna State to see how UK support is helping to address insecurity and protect communities of all faiths and beliefs.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
7409
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Churches Abduction Protection Nigeria Religious freedom
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk