Written question asked by Lord McCrea of Magherafelt and Cookstown (Democratic Unionist Party) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 30 June 2026. It was answered by Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Nigeria: Christianity
- Question
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To ask His Majesty's Government what action they are taking to stop the continuing persecution and killing of Christians in Nigeria; and what representations they have made internationally on behalf of Christians enduring persecution.
- Answer
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We continue to support the Nigerian authorities in tackling violence against Christians, and other communities affected by violence in Nigeria, as set out in my Written Ministerial Statement on 27 November 2025 (HLWS1104), and the response provided on 5 June to Question HC5325, which - for ease of reference - is reproduced below:
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.
Secondary information
- Type
- Written question
- Reference
- HL1020
- Session
- 2026-27
- Related items
- Subjects
- Nigeria Religious freedom Christianity
- Link
- View this Written question on www.parliament.uk
Librarians' tools
- Timestamp
- 2026-09-01 12:02:06 +0100
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- http://data.parliament.uk/writtenparliamentaryquestion/lords/2026-27/HL1020
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