Members of the UK Parliament have called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer to confront Nigerian President Bola Tinubu over violence against Christians during the Nigerian leader’s upcoming state visit.
However, lawmakers from the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief (APPG FoRB) have urged the British government to raise concerns about religious violence and human rights during the talks.
In a letter to Development Minister Baroness Jenny Chapman, the cross-party group asked the government to press Nigeria to take stronger action against attacks on Christian communities.
The lawmakers cited continuing violence by extremist groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), which have carried out attacks and kidnappings in several northern states.
Earlier this year, more than 160 Christian worshippers were reportedly kidnapped in Kaduna State, highlighting ongoing insecurity in the region.
Jim Shannon, chairman of the parliamentary group, said Nigeria must take “concrete steps to prevent the harassment, persecution and killing of Christians while ensuring perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted.”
The group also raised the case of Leah Sharibu, one of the schoolgirls abducted by militants in 2018 who remains in captivity after reportedly refusing to renounce her Christian faith.
Lawmakers argued that human rights concerns should form a central part of future diplomatic, security and trade discussions between the UK and Nigeria.
Meanwhile, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, is expected to host Oluremi Tinubu at Lambeth Palace during the visit, where the Nigerian First Lady will attend a prayer service and meet representatives of faith-based charities working in Nigeria.
Analysts say the visit offers an opportunity for London to balance diplomatic ties with pressure on Abuja over security and human rights challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are UK MPs concerned about Nigeria?
Lawmakers say attacks on Christian communities, kidnappings and ongoing insurgency in northern Nigeria raise serious human rights concerns.
What is the purpose of Tinubu’s visit to the UK?
The visit is designed to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including discussions on security, trade and cooperation.
Who raised the concerns in the UK Parliament?
Members of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Freedom of Religion or Belief called for the issue to be discussed during the visit.
